Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Saudi champions Al Ittihad have sacked French coach Laurent Blanc after a poor start to the new season, turning their focus to high-profile replacements including Porto’s Sérgio Conceição and former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández.

The club announced Blanc’s dismissal early Sunday following a run of disappointing results that included losses in the Saudi Super Cup and AFC Champions League Elite, capped by a damaging league defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.

Blanc, 58, had guided Ittihad to a historic domestic double last season, winning both the Roshn Saudi League and King’s Cup.

Club president Fahad Sindi defended the timing of the decision, insisting it was based on performance and the team’s lack of progression.

He rejected speculation that star striker Karim Benzema held undue influence, describing such claims as “fabrications,” and praised the Frenchman’s commitment to the club.

Benzema remains central to Ittihad’s future, though reports in Europe suggest José Mourinho has sounded out the striker about a possible return.

Ensuring the 36-year-old’s stability and focus will be critical for the Jeddah side’s new coaching staff.

For now, interim boss Hassan Khalifa will oversee the first team alongside U-21 coach Egan Carrasco until a permanent appointment is made.

Al Ittihad have already opened talks with two unnamed candidates, with hopes of finalizing a deal during the international break.

Off the pitch, the club has also restructured its decision-making, launching a new “Transfers Committee” this summer.

The body — led by president Sindi, CEO Domingo Oliveira, sporting director Ramón Planes and the club’s financial chief — will handle recruitment strategy alongside the executive and technical committees, aligning governance with FIFA and AFC regulations.

For Ittihad, the immediate challenge is twofold: secure a coach capable of steadying the team and restoring momentum, while keeping its marquee players settled and invested.