Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Saudi Arabian team, Al Nassr, are in search of a new coach following the dismissal of Luis Castro on Tuesday, marking the second managerial change since the Portuguese star joined the club.
The 63-year-old Castro experienced a sluggish beginning to the new Saudi Pro League season, securing only one victory in three matches.
“Al Nassr can confirm that head coach Luis Castro has departed from the club,” the team announced on social media. “Everyone at Al Nassr appreciates Luis and his staff for their dedicated efforts over the past 14 months and wishes them all the best for the future.”
On Monday, the Riyadh-based team drew 1-1 with Iraq’s Al Shorta in their opening match of the AFC Champions League Elite.
In April 2023, coach Rudi Garcia left Al Nassr after failing to clinch first place despite Ronaldo joining the team four months earlier.
As reported by local media, Stefano Pioli, who led AC Milan to a Serie A title in 2022 and is available after parting ways with the club in May, is among Al Nassr’s top candidates for the coaching role.
Castro, formerly a coach at Porto, did not secure any major trophies in Saudi Arabia after taking over in July 2023, following more than a season managing Brazilian club Botafogo.
Though Castro had renowned players like Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Aymeric Laporte in his squad, Al Nassr ended last season 14 points behind their Riyadh rivals, Al Hilal.
Additionally, under Castro’s leadership, Al Nassr fell short in knockout tournaments against the same opponents.
