Al Ittihad dismissed Laurent Blanc from his managerial position Sunday after the Saudi club suffered a 2-0 loss against Al Nassr. Hassan Khalifa will serve as interim coach while the organization searches for a permanent replacement. The Jeddah-based team currently sits third in the Saudi Pro League standings, trailing Al Nassr by three points through four matches.
Blanc arrived at Al Ittihad during 2024 following his tenure with French club Lyon. The 59-year-old former defender represented clubs such as Marseille, Inter Milan and Manchester United during his playing career. France selected him for their 1998 World Cup squad that claimed victory on home ground, though a semifinal red card against Croatia prevented his participation in the final match.
Blanc arrived at Al Ittihad during 2024 following his tenure with French club Lyon. The 59-year-old former defender represented clubs such as Marseille, Inter Milan and Manchester United during his playing career. France selected him for their 1998 World Cup squad that claimed victory on home ground, though a semifinal red card against Croatia prevented his participation in the final match.
