Former Tottenham flop manager Nuno Espirito Santo SACKED by Saudi side despite bringing in Benzema and Kante

NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO has been sacked by Al-Ittihad, despite winning the Saudi title last season.

His side sit sixth in the Saudi Pro League, with the likes of Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante among their ranks.

GettyNuno Espirito Santo has been sacked by Al-Ittihad[/caption]

Al-Ittihad were beaten 2-0 by Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the Asian Champions League yesterday.

Their Saudi title defence has so far been disastrous, already trailing league leaders Al-Hilal by 11 points after just 12 games.

Al-Ittihad’s defeat to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya reportedly led to an internal review of Nuno’s position by club chiefs.

And they subsequently opted to dispense of the former Tottenham gaffer’s services.

Club bosses are claimed to be exploring the possibility of luring Jose Mourinho to the Saudi Pro League.

While Julen Lopetegui has also been linked.

Nuno, 49, was appointed Tottenham boss in 2021 after four years at Wolves.

He lasted just four months in North London, being sacked following a 3-0 home defeat to Manchester United – Spurs’ fifth loss in seven games.

Following his Tottenham sacking Nuno eventually returned to the dugout with Al-Ittihad in July 2022.

He guided a side devoid of global superstars to the league title in his first season in charge.

Al-Ittihad subsequently shook up their squad, spending over £100million on the likes of Benzema, Kante, Fabinho, Luiz Felipe and Jota.

Results have suffered, however, with Nuno ultimately paying with his job.

AFPNuno joined Al-Ittihad in July 2022[/caption]

AFPAl-Ittihad signed Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in the summer[/caption]