Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi Pro League side, Al-Nassr, are reportedly closing in on a decision to dismiss head coach Stefano Pioli following the team’s embarrassing exit from the AFC Champions League earlier this week.
Pioli was appointed as the head coach of Al Nassr at the beginning of the ongoing season following his departure from Inter Milan at the end of the 2023-24 season.
Though the Italian has a contract that runs until the end of the 2027 season and assures him around €12m per season, excluding bonuses, he has failed to guide the team to any silverware, and the Al Nassr management has seemingly run out of patience with him.
Despite having star players like Ronaldo, Sadio Mane and Jhon Duran in the squad, Al Nassr find themselves in third in the Saudi Pro League table behind Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal.
More importantly, Al Nassr were knocked out of the AFC Champions League after a 3-2 semifinal loss against Kawasaki Frontale earlier this week, and that could be the final nail in the coffin for Pioli.
Earlier this year, there were also reports of a fallout between Pioli and Al Nassr captain Ronaldo, and that has not helped the coach’s cause either.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Who does Al Nassr appoint as manager if Pioli is sacked?
While there is no clarity on who could take over the reins at Al Nassr if Pioli is sacked, one should not be surprised if they appoint an interim manager for the time being.
Going forward, Al Nassr will likely appoint a big-name manager who can lead the team to silverware, and Ronaldo will have a say in the matter.
Chelsea news and related links
