Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr could bring in one of Europe’s most high-profile managers to get the best out of superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo after Rudi Garcia left his position at the club.
Al-Nassr moved to terminate Garcia’s contract on Thursday amid reports that Ronaldo was unhappy with the coach’s tactics.
Now the former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker could be re-united with one of his former title-winning bosses as Zinedine Zidane and Jose Mourinho are being targeted to fill the vacancy, according to CBS Sports.
Mourinho worked with Ronaldo for three years between 2010 and 2013 before leaving his position at the Santiago Bernabeu after failing to win Madrid a 10th Champions League title.
The staunch Portuguese manager could have to re-build his relationship with Ronaldo if he agrees to join Al-Nassr having previously reduced his fellow countryman to tears during their years together at Real Madrid.
Cristiano Ronaldo could be re-united with one of his former Real Madrid managers at Al-Nassr
Zinedine Zidane (right) has been linked with the vacancy at Ronaldo’s (left) Al-Nassr
Jose Mourinho (right) could be set for another stint at coaching Ronaldo (left) after the pair worked together at Real Madrid
Mourinho would have to leave his current position as head coach at Roma to complete a high-profile takeover at Al-Nassr and would likely demand a huge salary having already been linked with a £100million move to become the Saudi Arabia’s national team coach.
Meanwhile, Zidane may be favoured option by Ronaldo if he is given a say in the club’s next manager. The 38-year-old built a brilliant relationship with the Frenchman during a title-laden stint together at Real Madrid.
Zidane has been out of work since leaving his position at Madrid in 2021 and has been keeping his options open despite being linked with numerous high-profile positions.
Many expected him to become the French national team coach after the nation’s World Cup final defeat to Argentina, but was rebuffed as Didier Deschamps instead signed a new contract with Les Blues.
Zidane (left) is a free agent since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 but Mourinho (right) would have to leave his position at Roma
Ronaldo is believed to have a say in who will become Al-Nassr’s next permanent manager
Zidane and Ronaldo won three Champions League and a LaLiga title together during their time at Real Madrid, however the former World Cup winning midfielder might prefer to wait for a more impressive European coaching vacancy to become available.
Whoever becomes the next Al-Nassr manager will have to get Ronaldo back to his best and enjoying his football after he recently stormed off the pitch in a goalless league draw.
The oil-rich state want to raise the profile of Saudi Arabian football and landing either Mourinho or Zidane would see one of football’s most successful coaches add to their rising star collection.
Lionel Messi could join Ronaldo in Saudi Arabian football after being linked with a big-money move to the nation at the end of the season that would likely see the Argentinian eclipse the £175m annual wage paid to the Al-Nassr star.
source: dailymail.co.uk
