Former France manager Laurent Blanc parted ways with Saudi club Al-Ittihad after just four league matches into the new season. Blanc sacked by Al-Ittihad following a 2–0 defeat to Al-Nassr, which sealed his fate despite prior success. The club announced that his assistant, Hassan Khalifa, will assume caretaker duties for the time being.
Moreover, Blanc joined Al-Ittihad in 2024 and quickly made an impact. He guided the team to a league title and the King’s Cup in his first full season. Expectations soared, and the club trusted him to deliver continuity and further trophies. His dismissal now reflects a shift in ambitions or impatience with early results.
Furthermore, the loss to Al-Nassr proved costly. Al-Ittihad viewed the defeat as unacceptable. That match, coupled with an earlier semi-final exit from the Saudi Super Cup against the same opponent, amplified pressure on Blanc and his staff. The club cited the need for “new technical staff that matches the club’s ambitions.”
Consequently, the decision came abruptly. Statements from the club emphasized aligning management with future goals. Blanc leaves with a strong domestic record—yet perceived underperformance in high-stakes matches counted heavily. His dismissal underscores how clubs now demand instant returns.
Meanwhile, critics and fans responded with surprise. Many pointed to Blanc’s impressive credentials. As a player, he won the 1998 World Cup and played for clubs like Manchester United and Inter Milan. As a manager, he achieved domestic success with PSG and served as France’s national coach.
Moreover, sources close to the club suggest that internal evaluations began even before the Al-Nassr match. Blanc had hinted at injury problems, rotating lineups, and fixture congestion in recent weeks. But club leadership appears to have lost confidence in his long-term vision under pressure.
Furthermore, the replacement path seems immediate. Hassan Khalifa will lead the squad as caretaker, at least temporarily, while the club hunts for a permanent coach. Al-Ittihad must now decide quickly, given upcoming fixtures and continental commitments. The transition occurs midseason, making the new appointee’s task more delicate.
In summary, Al-Ittihad’s management chose to part ways with Blanc early despite his prior success. Blanc being sacked by Al-Ittihad reflects the urgent expectations in modern football. His replacement steps in during a high-pressure period, and fans now await how the club rebounds under new leadership.
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