Saudis sack Ronaldo coach after bust up with star

Cristiano Ronaldo

Club confirms Rudi Garcia’s departure; Ronaldo reportedly complained to officials after goalless draw on Sunday against Al Feiha

Al Nassr have confirmed that head coach Rudi Garcia has left his position, reportedly after differences with star signing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Al Nassr are currently second in the Saudi Arabian Pro League, three points adrift of the leaders.

The club tweeted on Thursday evening: “Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Rudi Garcia has left the Club by mutual agreement. 

“The board and everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Rudi and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 8 months.”

A few minutes later, the club announced that its Under-19 coach will take over as the new Head Coach.

“We can announce that our U19 coach, Mr Dinko Jelicic will be the new head coach for the first team. Good luck, Mr. Dinko,” said the new tweet.

There have been reports of growing dissent against Garcia, formerly manager of Marseille and Lyon, and it all came to a head last week when Al Nassr were poor in their goalless draw against a struggling Al Feiha.

Ronaldo at Al Nassr

Ronaldo, has scored 11 goals in ten top-flight matches since joining Al Nassr, was involved in a verbal confrontation with Al Feiha’s Ali Al Zaqaan at the end of the match and reports in some Spanish outlets have said the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star has complained to Al Nassr officials about Garcia’s tactical plans and approach to matches.

Diario AS wrote Ronaldo told officials that the set-up was not allowing the team to operate to the level it was capable of.

There are also unconfirmed reports that Jose Mourinho has been offered a contract by Al Nassr. Al Ittihad are currently leading the Saudi Pro League.

Nevertheless, a few hours after Garcia’s exit, Ronaldo took to social media to tribute the Frenchman, captioning the Instagram story: “Pleasure to have worked with you. Wishing you all the best for the future.”