A disappointing end to the season in Saudi Arabia was played out for Al-Nassr, as they fell short of achieving their goal of winning the Saudi Pro League. Despite bringing in Cristiano Ronaldo on a record wage, the Portuguese superstar was unable to deliver the top title in Saudi Arabia, as Al-Nassr was condemned to second place in the standings following a 1-1 draw against Ettifaq.
The club is also now on the hunt for a new manager, as Rudi Garcia was dismissed shortly after a 0-0 draw against Al Feiha. But who are the managers in the running to be the next Al-Nassr coach?
Jose Mourinho
Ronaldo will have a key role to play in appointing a new coach, according to latest reports, and that could lead to a reunion with former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese is among the favorites in the soccer betting markets, as the legendary coach is reportedly weighing up his options.
Mourinho’s perfect record in European finals ended in the Europa League, as he furiously watched on as his Roma side was beaten on penalties by Sevilla. Mourinho’s time in Serie A looks set to come to an end this term, and reports have already circulated that the former Manchester United boss has been offered a $50-million-per-year deal in Saudi Arabia.
However, Mourinho may yet opt to extend his stay at the top level of soccer, as PSG is reportedly interested in making a move for the serial winner.
Zinedine Zidane
Another coach with previous experience of working with Ronaldo is reportedly in the running, as Zinedine Zidane is among the options to be the next Al-Nassr coach. Ronaldo and Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles together during their time at Real Madrid, and the legendary Frenchman has been out of work since ending his second spell at the Bernabeu in 2021.
Since then, Zidane has been weighing up his options, with a number of potential appointments having been close. Reports claimed that he had his heart set on the French national team job, but the decision was made to stick with Didier Deschamps following the 2022 World Cup. Zidane is also among the contenders to take the PSG job, which would be one of the more solid soccer predictions when it comes to his future.
Carlos Queiroz
One of the most interesting options to be the next Al-Nassr coach comes in the form of Carlos Queiroz. It would be an unlikely turn of events to see the 70-year-old turn to the Saudi Pro League, as he was only appointed the new Qatar manager earlier this year. However, given the finances on offer in Saudi Arabia, they could be willing to strike a deal with the former Real Madrid and Portugal boss.
Queiroz is another coach held in high regard by Cristiano Ronaldo, as the 70-year-old was a key factor in helping the Portuguese settle to life in Manchester back in 2004. He was the long-term assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson at the Theatre of Dreams and later enjoyed mixed fortunes managing national sides such as Iran, Colombia, and Egypt. However, a route back into club management could be offered by Al-Nassr.
Who Will Be The Next Al-Nassr Coach?
This summer will present a huge challenge to Al-Nassr, as they will need to find a coach that can spark a revival from the team immediately. Getting the best out of Ronaldo will be key to their chances of landing the Saudi Pro League in 2023-24, meaning that a high-caliber manager is likely to get the best out of the soccer players available.
A move for Mourinho would likely be the most ideal, but the Saudi club will likely need to offer an eye-watering sum to tempt the Portuguese away from European soccer.
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