JEDDAH — AI-Ittihad Club has officially announced the appointment of esteemed Argentine coach Marcelo Gallardo to lead the first football team. The contract with Coach Gallardo spans a year and a half, signifying a significant development in the club's coaching staff.
The board of directors of AI-Ittihad Club extended their best wishes to Coach Gallardo and his staff, expressing hope that, together with the team members, they will play a pivotal role in realizing the aspirations of Al-Ittihad fans. The passionate fan base eagerly anticipates the upcoming journey under the guidance of the new coaching staff.
The decision to bring in Marcelo Gallardo follows the termination of the contract with Portuguese coach Nuno Santo. A comprehensive technical assessment of Santo's tenure, coupled with recent events, including a loss to the Iraqi Air Force, led to internal differences within the club, influencing the decision to part ways with Santo.
In the midst of a historic summer transfer window, AI-Ittihad has made noteworthy acquisitions, including prominent players such as Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Fabinho, and Jota. These strategic additions aim to bolster the team as they prepare for the 20th FIFA Club World Cup in December, hosted in Saudi Arabia. The upcoming tournament holds significant importance for AI-Ittihad, and the club is eager to make a strong impact on the international stage.