Laurent Blanc Sacked by Al-Ittihad After Short Tenure

Laurent Blanc’s turbulent spell at Al-Ittihad has come to an abrupt end after just four matches, as the Saudi Pro League champions decided to part ways with the French World Cup winner. The club’s decision follows a disappointing run of results, culminating in a 2-0 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr that marked their third loss in the 2025-26 campaign.

Laurent Blanc’s Brief Al-Ittihad Era Ends Early

Laurent Blanc’s appointment as head coach of Al-Ittihad was met with optimism, given his impressive track record both as a player and a manager. However, his tenure lasted only a few weeks, as the team’s performance failed to meet the expectations of the board and fans. The loss to Al-Nassr, featuring a decisive display from Ronaldo, proved to be the final straw for the club hierarchy, who are keen to defend their Saudi Pro League title.

World Cup Winner Faces Tough Challenge in Saudi Arabia

Taking charge of a club with high ambitions and star-studded squads is no easy task, even for a manager of Blanc’s calibre. The pressure was immense from the outset, with Al-Ittihad tasked with competing on multiple fronts, including the AFC Champions League Elite. Despite Blanc’s experience with teams like Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team, his strategies failed to inspire confidence among players or fans, leading to poor results on the pitch.

Al-Ittihad’s Ambitions Demand Immediate Results

Al-Ittihad have invested heavily in building a squad capable of dominating both domestically and internationally. The club’s owners are not shy about making swift changes if targets are not met. The decision to replace Blanc after just four games sends a clear signal that mediocrity will not be tolerated. As the team prepares for crucial fixtures in both league and continental competitions, finding the right managerial fit has become top priority.

What’s Next for Laurent Blanc and Al-Ittihad?

For Laurent Blanc, the challenge now will be to restore his reputation after this brief and troubled stint in Saudi Arabia. Questions remain about his future in management and whether he will seek opportunities in Europe or elsewhere. As for Al-Ittihad, they will be searching for a new coach capable of steering them back on track for the remainder of the season.

Saudi Pro League Attracts Global Attention

The Saudi Pro League’s aggressive recruitment of high-profile players and managers has put the league in the global spotlight. However, the sacking of a figure like Laurent Blanc so early demonstrates the high-stakes environment and the relentless pursuit of success that now defines Saudi football.

Opinion: Was Blanc Given Enough Time?

While football management is often a results-driven business, it’s worth questioning whether Laurent Blanc was given a fair chance to implement his ideas at Al-Ittihad. Four games is a very short window to assess a manager’s impact, especially in a club undergoing transition and facing fierce competition. Sometimes, patience is required for long-term results, but clearly, Al-Ittihad have chosen a different path. For more news and in-depth football analysis, visit for more news.