Al Nassr have confirmed the departure of their head coach Luis Castro after a disappointing draw in their opening fixture of of the AFC Champions League. The 63-year-old was appointed in July last year and becomes the third coach to leave since Cristiano Ronaldo’s arrival in 2023.
“Al Nassr can announce that head coach Luis Castro has left the club,” said a statement posted on X.
“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.”
Al Nassr fire Luis Castro after disappointing start to 24-25 season
🚨🟡🔵 OFFICIAL: Al Nassr have fired the manager Luis Castro, decision now confirmed.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 17, 2024
Deal on the verge of being completed with Stefano Pioli to become the new head coach. pic.twitter.com/YuiBuIjqbY
After Rudi Garcia, the club appointed Croatian Dinko Jelicic before settling on Castro. However, he wasn’t able to guide them to any trophies last season and finished second behind Al Hilal in the league as they went unbeaten throughout the year.
Now, Al Nassr are in talks with former AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli as the replacement for Castro. The Italian helped Milan end their long trophy drought by winning the Scudetto, but was fired this summer for being unable to build on the success.
It remains to be seen if Ronaldo’s side will settle on Pioli now that they need a head coach with experience winning trophies.
