Why Al-Ittihad backtraced on Pioli appointment | OneFootball

Stefano Pioli has distanced himself from talks over a managerial appointment with Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, but the breakdown in negotiations did not come about because of a veto from star striker Karim Benzema, as some have suggested.

Why Pioli’s move to Al-Ittihad is off

There have in fact been some disagreements behind the scenes at Al-Ittihad. The club’s former President Loay Nazer resigned from his position on Saturday, citing interference in the club’s decision-making processes from the Ministry of Sport, according to reports in the Middle East.

As Nazer had been key in identifying Pioli as a potential new head coach, and given that he is no longer at the club, Al-Ittihad have decided to move in a different direction.

Some reports had suggested that former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema did not approve of Pioli as the next Al-Ittihad coach, but Gianluca Di Marzio and other outlets in Italy remain adamant that this was not exactly the case.

Pioli remains available to negotiate with whomever he pleases, as his time with Milan came to an end at the conclusion of the 2024-25 season. He had spent just shy of five years at the helm of San Siro, notably winning the 2021-22 Serie A title.

Al-Ittihad, meanwhile are reportedly in talks with Christophe Galtier and are also evaluating Laurent Blanc as a potential alternative.