Laurent Blanc's Sudden Exit: Al-Ittihad Turns the Page on a Turbulent Season
28 septembre 2025
Departure and immediate aftermath
The French coach Laurent Blanc, former head of Al-Ittihad, has officially stepped down from his duties at the Saudi club in recent hours, sending a clear message to the stands that a new era may be on the horizon.
Blanc posted on the club’s X account: “To Al-Ittihad fans, it has been a great privilege to be part of your history. I’m proud to have contributed to this club’s journey, and I wish you all the best for the future. Goodbye for now.”
The club’s decision to part ways came after a dip in Roshen Saudi League results, highlighted by a 2-0 defeat to Al-Nassr in round four, a result that amplified calls for change.
During his spell, the 46-match tenure yielded 35 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, with the team scoring 108 goals and conceding 51.
The timing of the departure coincided with a pivotal AFC Champions League assignment against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai, scheduled to be played at the Al-Inma Stadium, placing the team under continental scrutiny as it transitions to a new leadership.
Blanc's tenure, context, and the road ahead
The club announced that Hassan Khalifa will take charge on an interim basis, assisted by Iván Carasco, until a new technical staff is appointed to match the ambitions of the club and its supporters.
Criticism followed: Tunisian coach Yousef al-Manai, speaking to Saudi outlet Al-Riyadhiah, argued the dismissal was premature and cautioned against blaming Blanc alone, suggesting a broader evaluation was needed after the first phase of the season.
Fan reaction was mixed, with some demanding sweeping changes after recent results, while others pointed to insufficient backing in the transfer market compared with rivals who brought in top-name signings.
Blanc’s coaching journey has been a rollercoaster. At 59, he signed with Al-Ittihad in 2024, ending the season with league and cup success but a pattern of uneven form in the league and multiple high-pressure moments that have punctuated his career.
Earlier stops include stints at Al-Rayyan (February 2022) and Olympique Lyonnais (September 2023) before a short spell at Bordeaux and a noted period in which he guided France from 2010 to 2012, exiting after Euro 2012’s quarterfinal defeat to Spain.
Rumors about potential successors circulated, with claims linking Sergio Conceição and even a return for Xavi; club president Fahd Sandi publicly denied negotiations, and reputable outlets suggested a range of candidates could be considered.
Gabriel Calderón, a former Al-Ittihad coach and 2009 league champion, attended the latest match and told Al-Riyadhiah that he came to relive memories and would be open to a future return, though no formal offer had been made.
As preparations for the ACL continue, Al-Ittihad pressed on with training for the next clash against Shabab Al Ahli Dubai. Defender Hassan Kaddoush returned to training after injury, with his participation against the UAE side to be assessed by the interim coaching staff.
Looking ahead, Blanc’s departure opens a fresh chapter for a club seeking to reclaim domestic success and restore credibility on the continental stage. The search for a new coach is underway, and the big challenge remains delivering a successful Asian campaign to rebuild confidence ahead of the league season’s grind.
In sum, Blanc leaves a trophy-rich but occasionally turbulent legacy at Al-Ittihad, a chapter closed with a respectful farewell and a cliffhanger for the squad’s next act.
