Al-Ittihad sack coach Nuno Espirito Santo after alleged fallout with Benzema

AlIttihadhavesackedformer Tottenham Hotspur managerNuno Espirito Santo, theSaudichampions said, following a poor run of results under the Portuguese coach. Nunowas under pressure because of their struggles in theSaudiPro League, and theclubbrought down the axe following a 2-0 defeat to Air ForceClubof Iraq in the Asian Champions League on Monday.

Nuno, who enjoyed a successful spell as Wolverhampton Wanderersbossfrom 2017-2021, had been in charge of Jeddah-basedAlIttihadsince July last year. The former Porto coach tookAlIttihadto theSaudititle last season, but there were reports of a difficult relationship with striker Karim Benzema, who joined theclubin June this year as part of the influx of foreign stars into the Pro League.

"Theclubhas announced the end of its contract with Portuguese coachNunoSanto,"AlIttihadsaid in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter."This decision comes after a comprehensive technical evaluation of the past phase during which he was in charge of coaching the first football team."

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Assistant coach Hassan Khalifa will take temporary charge while theclubfinalise a replacement forNuno, the statement said. Nunowas appointed Tottenham manager in the summer of 2021, but lasted just four months before he wassacked.