RSL champions Al Ittihad part company with Laurent Blanc

Roshn Saudi League champions have terminated the contract of manager Laurent Blanc.

The title-holders confirmed the decision on their official social media channels early on Sunday. Blanc’s final match at the club was Friday’s 2-0 home defeat to Al Nassr.

"Al Ittihad announces the termination of its contractual relationship with the first team's head coach Mr Laurent Blanc and his coaching staff," the club said.

“The club’s board of directors extends its sincere thanks and appreciation for their efforts during the past period and wishes them success in their future endeavours.”

Al Ittihad added that they have placed in temporary charge Hassan Al Khalifa until they finalise an agreement with a "new technical staff that matches the club’s ambitions”.

Blanc was installed as Al Ittihad manager in July last year, going on to lead the Jeddah side to the domestic double in his first season.

Champions two years before, Al Ittihad sealed the RSL title with two rounds to spare, ending the campaign eight points ahead of second-placed Al Hilal. Blanc was later voted the 2024-25 RSL Manager of the Year.

Al Ittihad began this season with a semi-final exit in the Saudi Super Cup before winning their opening three matches in the RSL. The defeat to Al Nassr in Matchweek 4 leaves them third in the table, three points off the summit.

Blanc’s RSL record reads 29 wins, five draws and four losses from 38 matches in charge.