Al-Ittihad sack ex-Tottenham boss after alleged 'fallout' with former Real Madrid star

Al-Ittihad parted ways with manager Nuno Espirito Santo following a string of underwhelming results. Nuno was appointed in the summer of 2022 having been sacked by Tottenham Hotspur in 2021 November. Ittihad are currently sixth in the Saudi Pro League.

3 things you need to know

• Al-Ittihad are the defending Saudi Pro League champion
• They are currently sixth in the points table
• Karim Benzema joined the club from Real Madrid

Al-Ittihad sacked Nuno Espirito Santo after a run of disappointing results

Al-Ittihad splashed pretty profusely in the transfer market to bring in players like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho. But they have failed to hit the level of expectations having won just six games in the Saudi top flight. Following Nuno's departure, assistant manager Hassan Khalifa will oversee the team until the club appoints a full-time manager. The club confirmed Nuno's dismissal through an official statement.

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“We have terminated the contractual relationship with Portuguese coach Nuno Espirito Santo, after a comprehensive technical evaluation of the period he assumed responsibility.”

“Assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will assume team training till we appoint a new coach and overhaul the technical staff to meet the aspirations and ambitions of the club and its fans.”

Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly had some issues with Karim Benzema

As per a report by Relevo, the former Spurs manager had exchanged a few words with Benzema in the dressing room following a shambolic defeat at the hands of Al-Quwa Al-Juwiya in the AFC Champions League. Nuno guided the club to the Saudi Pro League title last season but failed to replicate that performance this campaign.

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It also has been reported the Saudi Arabian club might approach a French manager which could be of massive help for Benzema who is the focal point at the club as it stands. Benzema left Real Madrid to hop on a new journey but he has only scored six goals so far in all competitions.