Leonardo Jardim has been sacked as head coach of Al Hilal after the club’s woeful performance at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The AFC champions league holders won only one out of three games at the FIFA competition.
Jardim took charge of Al-Hilal in June of 2021, leading the team in 26 games across all competitions, of which he won 15 and lost only four.
Jardim was appointed on a one-year contract, despite leading the club to a fourth AFC Champions League title in November, as well as the Saudi Super Cup in January, the Portuguese boss has been asked to leave.
Despite winning the majority of his games with Asia’s club of the century, reports claim that the Portuguese head coach was removed from his position after the humiliating defeat against Al Ahly in the Club World Cup.
Al-Hilal clashed with Al Ahly in the Club World Cup third-place decider as they disgracefully lost 4-0 in the third place match on Saturday.
The Saudi Arabian giants announced the appointment of their former coach who Jaridim replaced, Ramón Díaz as the new coach of the club with immediate effect.
Diaz will be assisted by Emiliano Diaz, Daniel Ferreyra and fitness coach Diego Pereira, and the quartet will be arriving in Riyadh to start managing the team Tuesday evening.
Other members of his backroom staff are Damian Hector, Nicolas Romanazzi and goalkeeper coach Vieira De Melo.
The Argentine football tactician is returning to Al Hilal for a second spell, having coached the four-time Asian champions from 2016-2018, leading them to the Saudi Pro League title in 2016-2020.
Al-Hilal currently ranks 74 in the World club rankings with 1647 points with about 8 trophies to thier name; 5 Pro league trophies, 3 AFC championshios and 2 Kings Cups.
Meanwhile Odion Ighalo and team mates have returned to training, no slacking.