Coaching Cliffhanger: Shabab Clings to Alguacil Ahead of the Riyadh Derby vs. Al-Nassr
8 January 2026
Coaching saga continues as Al-Shabab keeps Alguacil in place
Shabab's bid to dismiss Spanish coach Emanuel Alguacil has fallen short as the club braces for a demanding run in the Saudi Pro League, including the upcoming derby against neighbor and arch-rival Al-Nassr.
Shabab will face three tough fixtures in under ten days, taking on Al-Taawoun, Neom, and Al-Nassr, after suffering losses in their previous three league games.
Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah reported that Alguacil is set to lead the side in Friday's clash with Al-Taawoun in the 14th round, with his future still unresolved.
The paper added that there is a desire within Shabab to sack the coach, but no official decision has been made yet.
Alguacil's contract with Shabab runs for two seasons, featuring a high salary of 50 million riyals and no release clause, meaning the club would have to pay the full amount if he is dismissed.
Earlier, Al-Riyadiyah revealed that the previous administration, led by Khalid Al-Huwaishan, had requested the sports ministry to dismiss Alguacil, with golden member Prince Abdulrahman bin Turki covering a contract for the new coach, a plan that was rejected.
Punchline 1: If coaching changes paid salaries, Shabab would be rolling in profits by now.
Punchline 2: In the saga of Saudi football, expect more twists than the round of fixtures—without a happy ending, yet.
