Rudi Garcia has reportedly been sacked as manager of Al-Nassr following his alleged problematic relationship with captain, Cristiano Ronaldo.
After less than a year in charge at the league team, according to reports making the rounds in Saudi Arabia, the French manager was dismissed.
In a separate story from AS, Ronaldo and club executives also met behind closed doors, where the Portugal captain complained about the tactics used by his management.
And now, following a 0-0 draw with Al-Feiha, club management has decided to agree with Ronaldo’s assessment, releasing Garcia from his contract.
Meanwhile, ESPN reports differently, stating the former Lyon manager will be expected to secure a victory against Al-Hilal in order to keep his job.
The opposition club are currently attempting to structure a deal of their own to bring Lionel Messi to the Middle East.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s coach, Rudi Garcia, has been given one game to save his job at Al Nassr, sources have told ESPN's @MarkOgden_. pic.twitter.com/SdcTSc07dL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 12, 2023
Al-Nassr’s form before Ronaldo
Sports Brief also analysed that after Ronaldo arrived at Al-Nassr, the club seems to have fallen off for some reason – if stats are anything to go by.
Footy Stats shows that in the league games since the veteran landed in Saudi Arabia, the club has struggled to claim any significant victories.
As a result, they have lost their top spot to Al-Ittihad, who are now three points ahead and were also defeated in the Saudi Arabian Super Cup.
Al-Nassr manager criticises Ronaldo, team
Meanwhile, Sports Brief also reported on Garcia’s criticism of his team who he claimed was not doing enough after falling three points behind Al-Ittihad.
With seven games to spare, Al-Nassr need their rivals to stumble if they stand any chance of winning their first league crown since the 2018/19 season.