Al-Ittihad, the nine-time Saudi Football League champion, has appointed Frenchman Laurent Blanc as its new coach. Blanc, who was dismissed from his position at Lyon last September, succeeds the sacked Argentine Marcelo Gallardo. This marks Blanc's second coaching stint in the Gulf region, having previously managed Al Rayyan in Qatar.
Blanc, 58, will reunite with striker Karim Benzema, who played under him during his tenure as coach of the French national team between 2010 and 2012. Benzema, a key player for Al-Ittihad, reportedly played a significant role in Blanc's appointment, advocating for a coach who speaks French. Midfielder N'Golo Kante is another notable player under Blanc's new leadership.
Al-Ittihad terminated Gallardo's contract in early July after a disappointing season that saw the team finish fifth in the league, failing to defend its title and qualify for Asian competitions. The club has not disclosed the details of Blanc's contract, but sources indicate it is a two-season deal with an option for a third.
Blanc's coaching career includes successful stints with Bordeaux, Paris Saint-Germain, and the French national team. He led Bordeaux to a league title in 2009 and PSG to three consecutive league titles between 2014 and 2016. Blanc was also named the best coach in the French League in 2008, 2015, and 2016.
Despite his domestic success, Blanc's failure to secure a continental title with PSG led to his dismissal. He was replaced by Spaniard Unai Emery, who had a successful run with Sevilla in the Europa League. Blanc's international career as a player was also distinguished, with 97 caps for France and a key role in their 1998 World Cup victory.
- Blanc’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to leverage his experience and leadership skills to revive Al-Ittihad's fortunes. His previous experience in the Gulf region with Al Rayyan in Qatar adds to his credentials for this role.
- Karim Benzema's influence within Al-Ittihad has been significant, with reports suggesting that he was instrumental in Blanc's selection. Benzema's preference for a French-speaking coach influenced the club's decision-making process, steering them away from other potential candidates like Stefano Pioli and Christophe Galtier.
- Blanc's coaching style is known for its emphasis on attacking play and ball possession, which could bring a refreshing change to Al-Ittihad's tactics. His ability to build a cohesive team and his track record of winning domestic titles will be crucial for the club's ambitions in both local and Asian competitions.
- The French coach's tenure with Lyon was cut short due to a poor start to the season, but his overall coaching record remains impressive. His experience with top-tier clubs and national teams positions him well to handle the pressures and expectations at Al-Ittihad.
- Blanc's leadership will be closely watched as he aims to restore Al-Ittihad's status as a dominant force in Saudi football. His relationship with key players like Benzema and Kante will be pivotal in achieving the club's goals.
