Laurent Blanc Sacked as Al-Ittihad Head Coach After Four Matches

Laurent Blanc’s Short Stint at Al-Ittihad Ends Abruptly

Laurent Blanc, the former Manchester United legend and France World Cup-winning defender, has been sacked as head coach of Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad after just four games in charge. The decision, confirmed by the club on Monday, comes hot on the heels of a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr, marking Al-Ittihad’s third loss already in the 2025-26 campaign.

Laurent Blanc Faces Early Exit in Saudi Arabia

Appointed with high expectations, Laurent Blanc’s tenure at Al-Ittihad was meant to usher in a new era of success following their recent domestic triumphs. However, the team’s form rapidly declined, with three defeats in the opening four league matches. The loss to Al-Nassr was particularly significant, as it exposed weaknesses in defense and tactics, areas where Blanc was expected to excel given his pedigree as a World Cup winner and seasoned manager.

Al-Ittihad’s Struggles Under Blanc

Fans and analysts had hoped Blanc’s extensive experience — including spells at Paris Saint-Germain and the French national team — would translate into immediate results for Al-Ittihad. Instead, the club found itself slipping down the standings and losing ground on title rivals. The 2-0 defeat against Ronaldo-led Al-Nassr proved to be the final straw, prompting the board to act swiftly.

The Challenge of Managing in the Saudi Pro League

Managing in the Saudi Pro League is a unique test, with high-profile international stars and intense competition. For Blanc, the transition proved more difficult than anticipated. Pressure from supporters, the board, and the media mounted rapidly as results failed to meet the club’s lofty ambitions.

Aftermath of Blanc’s Dismissal at Al-Ittihad

Al-Ittihad now faces a crucial period of transition as they seek a new head coach capable of stabilizing the squad and reigniting their title challenge. The club remains in contention for the AFC Champions League Elite, with a key fixture against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai FC looming on September 30, 2025. Domestically, attention quickly turns to their next Premier League match against Sunderland on October 4, 2025, as they attempt to reverse their fortunes.

Reactions from Fans and the Football Community

The decision to sack Blanc has sparked mixed reactions across the footballing world. Some fans expressed disappointment, citing the lack of time given to the new manager to implement his ideas. Others, however, viewed the move as necessary to protect Al-Ittihad’s ambitions for silverware this season. In the wider football community, the episode highlights the increasingly unforgiving nature of elite football, especially in leagues with significant investment and elevated expectations.

Legacy of Laurent Blanc: From Manchester United to Al-Ittihad

Blanc’s reputation as a player, notably with Manchester United and France, remains intact. His coaching career, which includes domestic titles with Bordeaux and PSG, now adds another challenging chapter. The swift dismissal at Al-Ittihad underscores the volatility of football management, particularly in ambitious clubs within emerging leagues like Saudi Arabia’s top flight.

What’s Next for Al-Ittihad and Blanc?

As Al-Ittihad searches for a new manager, speculation abounds about who will take the helm and how quickly the club can recover. For Blanc, the focus will likely shift to his next professional opportunity, as he looks to rebound from this setback and restore his reputation in the managerial ranks.

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Opinion: The Risks of Short-Term Thinking in Football Management

The case of Laurent Blanc at Al-Ittihad is a stark reminder of the relentless pressure in modern football, where immediate results are often prioritized over long-term vision. While the decision to part ways may be justified by results, clubs must consider the disruptive impact of frequent managerial changes. Stability and patience, alongside prudent decision-making, are vital for sustained success — a lesson both Al-Ittihad and other ambitious clubs may need to heed moving forward.