OFFICIAL: Al-Ittihad sacks Laurent Blanc

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30/09/25 21:00:00

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Frenchman Laurent Blanc was officially dismissed as the coach of Al-Ittihad just hours after the defeat against Al-Nassr, marking the abrupt end of a tenure that started in July 2024 with great success.

Laurent Blanc: from glory to intense crisis

When Blanc landed in Saudi Arabia, taking over from Marcelo Gallardo, it was amid high expectations. In his first season, he achieved notable success: winning the Saudi League 24/25 and the local Cup, a double triumph that immediately enhanced his reputation in the Arab League.

However, subsequent results complicated matters. Following the 0-2 loss to Al-Nassr, the management decided that the shadow of failure had become too heavy. Blanc leaves behind positive records (46 games in charge, 34 victories, six draws, and only six defeats), but the immediate context demanded a radical change. 

Laurent Blanc's departure in the transfer market and the forced change

Blanc's departure comes at a time when expectations regarding the transfer market and the team's evolution are at their peak. Al-Ittihad's management will need to act swiftly to adjust the squad and coaching staff.

According to reports from the newspaper AS, the management announced that Hassan Khalifa and Iván Carrasco will take over temporarily. Both will lead the first team until a permanent replacement is found who aligns with the club's local and international ambitions.

In the transfer market, there is already speculation about renowned foreign names, in line with the increasing investment philosophy in the Arab League. It will be crucial to see how Al-Ittihad balances its sporting policy with the structural adjustments necessary to compete at the highest regional level.

Implications in the Arab League and internal pressure

The Arab League is experiencing a moment of heightened competitive tension: clubs with significant resources do not tolerate prolonged setbacks. The decision regarding Blanc sends a clear message.

Al-Ittihad, as one of the teams with high ambitions, is acting urgently to stay competitive for national and international titles. The pressure from the fans, media, and sponsors is particularly strong when defeats come against historical rivals like Al-Nassr.

The coach's departure coincides with other internal moves in clubs in the region, reinforcing the idea that the Arab League is entering a phase of constant rebalancing.

What's next for Al-Ittihad?

The club stated in a press release that they are seeking a new coaching staff that "aligns with their aspirations," officially closing the chapter with Blanc. The urgency to recruit replacements will be high. Al-Ittihad finds itself in a demanding position in the table, three points behind the leader, and cannot afford more setbacks.

For the fans, Blanc's departure represents a symbolic loss—he was the architect of the double title—but at the same time, a pragmatic decision. The responsibility now falls on the successor, who will need to adapt the squad, make an immediate impact, and respond in a constantly changing Arab League.

This episode definitively closes the era of Laurent Blanc at Al-Ittihad, a cycle that began with ambition and concluded amidst unmet expectations.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, OFICIAL: Al-Ittihad despide a Laurent Blanc