Al Nassr Sack Coach Garcia Amid Ronaldo Rift Rumors

Al Nassr club announced they have parted ways with coach Rudi Garcia on Thursday amid reports of tension between the French manager and Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Saudi Pro League side released a statement announcing Garcia’s departure, after less than one year on the job:

"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 eight months," the statement read. 

AlNassr can announce that Head Coach Rudi Garcia has left the Club by mutual agreement.

The board and everyone at AlNassr would like to thank Rudi and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 8 months. pic.twitter.com/6wx6p68f6N

— AlNassr FC (@AlNassrFC_EN) April 13, 2023

Garcia’s sacking came after the goalless draw with minnows Al Feiha on Sunday, after which he came out criticizing his players: "The result is bad. I don't feel satisfied with the players."

Al Nassr captain, Ronaldo, was clearly unhappy with Garcia’s tactics and stormed down the tunnel following Sunday’s game, leaving his coach and teammates behind.

Nevertheless, this has not stopped Ronaldo from paying tribute to his departing manager, “Pleasure to have worked with you. Wishing you all the best for the future,” Ronaldo posted in his Instagram story with a photo of himself and Garcia.

Al-Nassr appointed U-19 team coach Dinko Jelicic as a replacement and his first task will be an uphill one as the team face rivals Al Hilal in the Riyadh derby next Tuesday.

However, the Croatian coach is not expected to stay in his position for long as Al Nassr are rumored to be targeting a world-class coach to be paired up with Ronaldo in Riyadh, with names like Jose Mourinho and Zinedine Zidane among those surfacing.

Al Nassr are currently in second place in the Saudi Pro League with 53 points, three behind leaders Al-Ittihad.