Laurent Blanc has been given the boot by Al Ittihad after just four bloody league matches this season. The reigning Saudi Pro League champions made the ruthless decision following Friday's 2-0 home defeat to Al Nassr. Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo were on the scoresheet as they maintained their perfect start to the new campaign.
Blanc gets the sack after Al Nassr loss
Prior to the match, both clubs had won three out of three in the league this term. However, Ronaldo's 98th goal for Al Nassr helped the visitors snatch all three points in what proved to be Blanc's final match in charge. The Frenchman has since been replaced by his assistant manager Hassan Khalifa.
Blanc's time at Al Ittihad
Blanc was appointed by Al Ittihad last summer before guiding the club to their 14th league title. He had followed up that triumph with three wins from three matches before the defeat to Al Nassr. His side were beaten in their opening AFC Champions League fixture, though. Their shock defeat to Al Wahda had piled pressure onto the 59-year-old despite last season's title win.
Blanc's reaction to Al Nassr loss
Blanc was asked about his future following Friday's loss, responding: "This is our first loss in a long time. We have achieved 17 wins and one draw in our last 18 home matches. So, I am surprised by this question, and we must review the results."
Al Ittihad had also won nine consecutive league matches home and away prior to the defeat. He added: "I'm having defensive problems that I've discussed before. I don't have many solutions, as they depend on the available players. Currently, I only have Ahmed Sharahili and Yassin [Al Jaber]. Injuries are part of football, but the pressure of matches [every three days] has made the situation more difficult, and most of the injuries have been in the back line."
Despite his reasons for the defeat, Al Ittihad opted to part ways with Blanc. His replacement Khalifa will take charge of their AFC Champions League clash with Shabab Al Ahli of the United Arab Emirates on Tuesday.
Blanc's managerial career
Blanc has previously had spells in charge of Bordeaux, Paris Saint-Germain, Al Rayyan and Lyon. Meanwhile, he spent two years as the French national team boss between 2010 and 2012. His tenure came after winning the 1998 World Cup on home soil with Les Bleus as a player.
