Al Ittihad and coach Nuno Santo split up

After conducting a comprehensive technical evaluation of Nuno Santo ‘s time spent leading the team, Al Ittihad Club has formally terminated its contract with the Portuguese coach.

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Recent events, such as the team’s defeat by the Iraqi Air Force, impacted the decision and caused divisions within the club over Santo’s termination.

Until a new coach is appointed, Hassan Khalifa, the assistant coach, will take on interim coaching duties.
The goal of the coaching staff reorganization is to better meet the goals of the team and the expectations of the supporters. Coach Nuno Santo’s contributions during his tenure are acknowledged and appreciated by the club, and they wish him well in his future undertakings.

There may have been a disagreement between Santo and French star Karim Benzema during the halftime interval during the match against the Iraqi Air Force. A heated argument ensued after the coach allegedly chastised Benzema for what he saw as a lack of pressure on the opposition, according to the Arriyadiyah newspaper.

Nuno Santo, who replaced Romanian coach Cosmin Contra, joined Al Ittihad for the 2022–2023 season. The team won the league and the Super Cup the season before under his direction.

During a historic summer transfer window, the team signed players like Jota, Fabinho, N’Golo Kante, and Benzema. Al Ittihad is preparing for the 20th FIFA Club World Cup, which will take place in December and be hosted in Saudi Arabia. This is a major competition for the team.