Cristiano Ronaldo will experience three different managers during his tenure at Al-Nassr, as the club announced on Tuesday the dismissal of Luis Castro. The decision follows the team's disappointing start to the season, marked by another lackluster performance on Monday night.
In the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo, who was unwell, Al-Nassr could only manage a 1-1 draw against Al-Shorta of Iraq in their inaugural match in the revamped AFC Champions League Elite. Castro's squad, having been runners-up to Al-Hilal last season, currently trails the reigning champions by four points in the Saudi Pro League after just three games.
Al-Nassr posted on their official X: "Club has officially decided to terminate the contractual relationship with the first team coach, Mr. Luis Castro. We appreciate all the efforts he made with Nassr, and wish him success."
Rudi Garcia managed Al-Nassr when Ronaldo made his stunning switch in December 2022, with Dinko Jelicic taking over on an interim basis in April 2023 after Garcia was sacked. Ronaldo missed Monday's game as Al-Nassr stated that the Portugal superstar had a viral infection and could not travel to Baghdad.
Update From Fabrizio Romano
Famous football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the move of the former AC Milan gaffer on his X with his popular catchphrase 'Here We Go'. He mentioned that the deal had been made, and Pioli would terminate his contract with AC Milan later on the day and then fly to Riyadh on a private plane with his agents.
Pioli set to take over Al-Nassr
Pioli led AC Milan for five years before leaving at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. He has previously managed the likes of Bologna, Lazio, Inter Milan, and Fiorentina. He also took his side Rossoneri to the throne in 2020-21 campaign.
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