Al-Ittihad’s search for a new manager has taken a long route after the Saudi Arabian side looked to be on the verge of announcing former AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli. However, L’Équipe reports that those negotiations broke down recently due to internal conflicts within the club.
This has led Al-Ittihad to consider the profile of Laurent Blanc. The former France manager has been out of work since a disastrous start to last season’s campaign with Olympique Lyonnais. If Blanc were to be appointed as the next manager of the Gulf State club it would be a reunion with Karim Benzema (36) who he had worked with during his time in charge of the national team.
Al-Ittihad have also approached Christophe Galtier although L’Équipe reports that this avenue appears to have ended without success. Another French name that is reportedly gaining momentum, is Hervé Renard whose contract with the France women’s team will be ending after the Olympic Games.
GFFN | Nick Hartland