Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr Plans Hit a Speed Bump as Zidane Rejection Looms
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of persuading his former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane to take charge of Al Nassr appear to have hit a snag, as the Saudi Pro League club looks set to appoint a different manager. Despite Zidane’s availability after leaving Real Madrid in 2021, the Frenchman has reportedly turned down offers from Al Nassr in the past, leaving the door open for a new candidate.
As revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Stefano Pioli is poised to take the reins at Al Nassr, with a deal "on the verge" of being agreed. The 58-year-old former AC Milan manager has been out of work since leaving the Italian club at the end of last season. While Pioli may not have the same level of international pedigree as Zidane, he has a wealth of experience in the top-tier Italian leagues, having managed Inter Milan, Lazio, and Fiorentina.
Pioli’s appointment could mark a fresh start for Al Nassr, who parted ways with Luis Castro after just 14 months in charge. The 63-year-old Portuguese coach was shown the door despite the club’s promising start to the season, leaving many wondering if the unrest behind the scenes played a role in his departure.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 39, had been advocating for Zidane’s return to the Saudi club, with whom he signed a two-year contract in November 2022. Zidane, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner, was rumored to be keen on taking the job but reportedly rejected a lucrative offer worth €150m (£126m) in the summer. Whether Zidane’s stance has changed remains unclear, but it seems unlikely he would have accepted the role at Al Nassr if it had been offered to him.
With Zidane’s rejection now seemingly a done deal, attention will turn to how Al Nassr performs under Pioli’s guidance. Will the Italian coach be able to bring stability and success to the Saudi club? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the Saudi Pro League will be a thrilling watch with Cristiano Ronaldo at its center.
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