'I must do a great job' - Ben Zekri is back, for challenge at Al Shabab

After not too long away, the inimitable Noureddine Ben Zekri is back.

The Algerian, known as something of a Roshn Saudi League survival specialist, was on Tuesday night confirmed as Al Shabab’s new manager until the end of the season, replacing the outgoing Imanol Alguacil.

Ben Zekri, of course, has been lighting up the Saudi Arabian top flight for some time with his particular brand of coaching - and celebrations.

Just check out last season, when he kept RSL debutants Al Kholood in the league and marked the accomplishment in his own, very special, way. To be fair to Ben Zekri, the Ar Rass outfit ultimately finished a brilliant ninth.

There was also the successful battle against relegation, and now trademark reaction to that, with Al Okhdood in 2023-24, not to mention similar successes before at Damac, Al Raed and Al Fayha.

At Al Shabab, Ben Zekri takes charge of a team laying 14th after 21 matches - only six points above the drop zone. And, even though the 2011-12 RSL champions won successive games late last month, they’ve lost their past two: at Al Kholood and then Friday’s 5-2 home defeat to Al Ahli.

So, no doubt looking over their shoulders, Al Shabab acted. And, in Ben Zekri, they’ve certainly given themselves the best opportunity to steer clear of the relegation dogfight.

“Thanks to God, I am very happy to be here,” Ben Zekri told the club’s official channel upon his appointment. “This is a very old club, a club with a long history... I'm very happy to be in charge of such a club."

"I'm always committed to work. The Roshn Saudi League is a strong league - I must do a great job in it.”

Ben Zekri’s first assignment at Al Shabab feels especially apt: on Friday, they travel to Abha to face Damac, the team one place below them in the standings.