Khaberni - Saudi media outlets have confirmed that the management of Al-Ittihad Club has identified 5 names to choose from to contract a new coach to lead the first football team.
The sports newspaper mentioned that "the Tigers" have started their movements to sign a new coach, leading the first football team, placing the German Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, at the top of their choices.
It added, "The move by Al-Ittihad comes after the dismissal of the French coach Laurent Blanc due to declining results, as the management opened negotiation lines with prominent coaching names on the global scene."
Klopp currently holds the position of Global Football President at Red Bull, overseeing the clubs RB Leipzig in Germany, New York Red Bulls in the USA, and Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, among others.
The list of candidates alongside Klopp includes Spaniard Xavi Hernandez, his compatriot Unai Emery, and Italian Luciano Spalletti, while Portuguese Sergio Conceicao appears with lesser chances.
The Al-Ittihad management is looking to finalize the new coach’s appointment as soon as possible to ensure technical stability before the upcoming local and continental commitments.
It is worth mentioning that Blanc, who is 59 years old, took charge of the Ittihad team in July 2024 under a contract extending until 30 June 2026, and led "the Tigers" to achieve a league and cup double last season before the team's results fluctuated this season, exiting the semi-finals of the Saudi Super Cup, and beginning its journey in the AFC Champions League Elite with a loss to Al Wahda of UAE 1-2, then lost to Al Nassr 0-2 domestically.
Overall, the Frenchman has managed Al-Ittihad in 46 matches, during which he secured 34 victories, drew six times, and lost six times.
