Ronaldo´s Al Nassr dismiss head coach Castro

Al Nassr are on the hunt for a new boss after dismissing head coach Luis Castro, the Saudi Pro League side confirmed on Tuesday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. have struggled through an underwhelming start to the season, winning just one of their opening three league fixtures of the campaign.

The Riyadh club were also defeated in the Saudi Super Cup final 4-1 against champions Al Hilal last month.

Al Nassr have seen enough, swiftly moving to part ways with 63-year-old Castro, who previously took charge of Brazilian Serie A side Botafago.

“Everyone at AlNassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 14 months,” the club said in a brief statement on social media.

AlNassr can announce that Head Coach Luis Castro has left the Club.

Everyone at AlNassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 14 months, wishing them the best of luck for the future. pic.twitter.com/FznpvPHG0T

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) September 17, 2024

Castro, a fellow Portugal compatriot to Ronaldo, led the club to lift the Arab Club Champions Cup last year, a competition contested by 37 teams from Asia and Africa.

However, Al Nassr finished second in the league last season, 14 points behind Jorge Jesus’ Al Hilal, who were inspired by the goal-scoring exploits of Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Al Nassr drew 1-1 against Al Shorta of Iraq on Monday in the opening game of the AFC Champions League Elite, which proved to be Castro’s final match at the helm.

Stefano Pioli, formerly of AC Milan, is one of Al Nassr’s preferred replacements according to reports in local Saudi media.