El Al-Ittihad considers Xavi Hernández as potential coach
El Ittihad Club Parts Ways with Coach Laurent Blanc Following Defeat to Al-Nassr
Laurent Blanc’s Sudden Departure from Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia has parted ways with its head coach, Laurent Blanc, following a 0-2 defeat against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the fourth round of the league championship. Despite leading the team to victory in the league and cup last season, Blanc’s current campaign got off to a rocky start, contributing to his dismissal. The disappointing start included losses in the Asian Champions League opener and Super Cup semifinals, along with the recent league defeat.
Search for a New Coach: Xavi Hernández & Sergio Conceição in the Frame
The club management is now urgently searching for a successor to Blanc. Media speculation strongly suggests that Xavi Hernández is a leading candidate to take over the managerial role at Al-Ittihad, one of the prominent contenders in Saudi Arabian football. Alongside Xavi, Sergio Conceição is also being considered as a potential replacement. Meanwhile, Hassan Khalifa will serve as interim head coach.
Al-Ittihad boasts a roster of star players including Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kanté, Fabinho, Moussa Diaby, and Steven Bergwijn, making it a highly desirable managerial post.
Xavi Hernández’s Coaching Prospects
Xavi Hernández, who departed FC Barcelona in the summer of 2023 after more than two years at the helm, has been connected with several high-profile coaching opportunities. His exit from Barcelona involved several back-and-forths with club management. Although he once intended to take a sabbatical to focus on family time, his name has surfaced in connection with major clubs such as Ajax Amsterdam, Manchester United, Inter Miami, Juventus, and Al-Hilal, among others. Despite numerous links, no firm agreement was reached with any club.
Al-Ittihad is now hoping to secure Xavi’s services to guide the team towards further success, and we await confirmation of the potential new appointment.
