Al Ittihad, the reigning Saudi Pro League champions, have parted ways with head coach Laurent Blanc after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to rivals Al Nassr. The decision was confirmed by the club in an official statement, where they announced the termination of Blanc and his entire coaching staff. The management also confirmed that they will begin the search for new technical personnel who match the club’s ambitions.
Blanc had been appointed in July 2024 and guided Al Ittihad to an impressive season in which the club lifted both the Saudi Pro League and the King’s Cup. His success in that campaign raised expectations among fans and the club’s board. However, the new season brought with it turbulence and inconsistency, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
The problems for Blanc began early this year when Al Ittihad were eliminated from the Saudi Super Cup semi-final, also at the hands of Al Nassr. The most recent defeat at home against the same side added more pressure, as it left Al Ittihad slipping further behind in the league table.
In Friday’s clash, Al Nassr’s Sadio Mane opened the scoring, while Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the lead with a powerful header. The result not only gave Al Nassr a decisive victory but also allowed them to leapfrog Al Ittihad in the standings. With this win, Al Nassr now sit at the top of the table, three points clear, while Al Ittihad have dropped to third place.
The Jeddah-based club wasted no time in naming assistant coach Hassan Khalifa as interim manager. He will be supported by Ivan Carrasco, the club’s under-21 coach, until a permanent replacement is appointed. The management has already made it clear that they will act quickly to bring in a top-level coach who can restore momentum.
Reports have begun circulating that former Barcelona star Xavi Hernandez is being considered as a serious candidate to take over. Xavi, who recently left his role at Barcelona, is seen as one of the most respected young coaches in world football, and his arrival would represent a statement of intent by Al Ittihad.
For Blanc, the end came much sooner than expected. Despite winning a domestic double in his debut season, football can be unforgiving, especially in Saudi Arabia where heavy investment in world-class players has raised the level of competition and heightened expectations. Success is celebrated, but setbacks are met with swift and decisive action.
The pressure is now on Al Ittihad to bounce back strongly. The team faces crucial challenges in the coming weeks, not only in the league but also in the AFC Champions League. The fans, who had celebrated last season’s triumphs, will now be watching closely to see how the club responds to this sudden shake-up.
Blanc’s time in Jeddah will be remembered for its highs and lows. His achievement of leading Al Ittihad to a domestic double is a legacy that cannot be ignored. However, the recent struggles have overshadowed those successes, and his departure highlights the ruthless nature of football management at the elite level.
The coming days will be decisive for Al Ittihad. A new coach, possibly with the stature of Xavi, could bring fresh energy and restore confidence in the dressing room. Until then, Hassan Khalifa and Ivan Carrasco will be tasked with steadying the ship and ensuring that Al Ittihad remain within striking distance of Al Nassr at the top of the league.
