Surprise Candidate Emerges as Al Ittihad Seeks Fresh Start After Blanc Exit
28 septembre 2025
Blanc's Exit Triggers a Coaching Shuffle
In the early hours of Sunday, Al Ittihad's management announced the dismissal of French coach Laurent Blanc after a 2-0 defeat to Al Nassr in the fourth round of the Roshen Saudi Pro League.
The loss added to a season that started poorly despite last season's trophies, and it pushed the club to make a decisive move to reset its ambitions.
Since the decision, speculation about the next coach has swept local and international media, with fans eager for a quick and successful appointment.
Interim Plan, Rumors, and the Xavi Link
Blanc had guided the team to the league title and the King's Cup last season, delivering trophies that cemented his standing, even as this campaign began with a rough start.
The Frenchman arrived in 2024 after working with France and Paris Saint-Germain, and the club hoped his experience would translate into continued success for the Tigers.
Al Ittihad finished last season with 72 points, the highest tally for the club since 2019, ahead of rivals such as Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
In the King's Cup campaign they beat Al Ain, then overcame Al Jandal, edged past Al Hilal on penalties, beat Al Shabab, and finally defeated Al Qadisiyah in the final.
Overall Blanc coached 42 official matches, 28 wins, 7 draws and 7 losses, with a goal tally of about 1.9 per game and a conceding rate under one per game.
The new season started with a defeat in the Saudi Super Cup to Al Nassr, who played with ten men after Sadio Mane was sent off.
The league then opened with three wins for the team, before a setback against Al Nassr marked the start of a tough period in the campaign.
The club also opened its Asian Champions League campaign with a defeat to Al Wahda.
The club named Hassan Khalifa as caretaker coach for the moment, with Iván Carrasco assisting the under-21s until a new foreign appointment is made.
The reactions were mixed. Former Egypt star Ahmed Hossam Mido criticized the move, arguing Blanc deserved more time given his trophies.
A former president of the club argued the decision was logical, if somewhat overdue, noting that action was needed to stay competitive.
Rumors of a surprise replacement grew, with reports of a potential approach to Xavi Hernandez, the former Barcelona coach.
Spanish press suggested the 45-year-old was a leading candidate, though negotiations would face obstacles, and Al Ittihad would push with determination to secure his signature.
Xavi has been without a club since leaving Barca in 2023, after saying he wanted a rest with family, yet rumors linked him to several clubs in recent weeks.
Sources noted that the Saudi club would face stiff competition and that negotiations would not be easy, with other opportunities and hurdles in the way.
Still, the club continues its push to sign a top coach capable of meeting ambitious targets and delivering silverware this season.
Punchlines: If coaching changes were a game of chess, Al Ittihad would own the entire board by now. And if the trophy cabinet could talk, it would say, please reserve a shelf for the next coach as well.
