Al Nassr has cut ties with head coach Luis Castro following a disappointing start to the 2024-25 Saudi Pro League season. The club, which has managed just one win and two draws in its opening matches, announced the decision on Tuesday.
“Al Nassr can announce that head coach Luis Castro has left the club,” the team declared on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Everyone at Al Nassr 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.”
Castro’s tenure began in July 2023, and during his time at the helm, Al Nassr recorded 36 wins, nine draws, and nine losses over 54 games. Despite boasting a roster filled with international stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mane, and Aymeric Laporte, the club fell short of securing any titles under his guidance. They concluded last season in second place, trailing league champions Al Hilal by a significant 14-point margin.
The pressure intensified after Al Nassr’s recent 1-1 draw against Al Shorta of the Iraq Stars League in their AFC Champions League Elite opener on the road. This result highlighted ongoing challenges and may have been a tipping point for the club’s management.
Castro’s departure marks the second managerial change since Ronaldo’s high-profile arrival in January 2023. Prior to Castro, Rudi Garcia exited the club in April 2023, signaling a period of instability in the coaching position.
Amid these changes, Cristiano Ronaldo has continued to deliver impressive performances, amassing 62 goals and 17 assists in 69 appearances. His contributions remain a beacon for the team as they navigate the search for new leadership.
Al Nassr now turns its attention to finding a successor capable of harnessing the talent within the squad and steering the club back to championship contention.
Reference(s):
Al Nassr seek new head coach after starting slow, sacking Luis Castro
cgtn.com
