Al Ittihad sack Marcelo Gallardo

Marcelo Gallardo has been sacked as coach of Al Ittihad. The season started with turbulence when he clashed with Karim Benzema. He ordered the Frenchman to train alone and pulled him out of the team's preparatory friendlies.

As the months went by, however, he returned the Frenchman's confidence, although this could not have been the start of a good campaign, as the coach ended up losing his job.

The Middle Eastern club made it official on Tuesday, when a contract that ran until 30 June 2025 was terminated. In addition, there was a clause to renew for two more years. 

The big disappointment for the Saudi side this season is that they missed out on the two Champions Leagues that Asia is preparing for the 24-25 season.

The Yellows closed their league campaign in 5th position, so they were denied this route. They finished behind Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahli and Al Taawoun.

In the Saudi King's Cup, Al Ittihad were eliminated against Al Hilal in the semi-finals, so there was not even a consolation in the domestic tournament. For the time being, the press has not named names of possible replacements for Gallardo.

His spell at the helm of the club began with the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo and the feeling is that the board is failing to find a leader to take the reins for the long term.

 

July 2, 2024