Cristiano Ronaldo's choice for new Al-Nassr boss 'ignored' after Luis Castro sacked
Al-Nassr have sacked manager Luis Castro after a disappointing start to the Saudi Pro League season.
The Riyadh-based club announced Castro's departure on Tuesday, ending his 14-month tenure.
This marks the fourth managerial change for Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Al-Nassr in December 2022.
The Portuguese superstar, who scored 35 goals to become the league's top scorer last season, has struggled to find consistent form under Castro's leadership.
Luis Castro has been sacked as Al-Nassr manager
Al Nassr
Al-Nassr currently sit seventh in the table, having won just one of their opening three matches.
The club's statement read: "Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Luis Castro has left the Club.
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"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."
Former AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Castro at Al-Nassr.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the club is in advanced talks with Pioli, with negotiations ongoing.
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The Italian manager, who led AC Milan to the Serie A title in the 2021-22 season, is known for his structured 4-2-3-1 system that balances width and midfield control.
Pioli's appointment could potentially suit Ronaldo and his attacking partners, creating a more cohesive unit capable of challenging for domestic and continental honours.
The 58-year-old's pedigree and recent success with Milan make him an attractive candidate for Al-Nassr as they seek to improve their fortunes in the Saudi Pro League.
Castro's tenure at Al-Nassr was marked by mixed results. Despite a respectable average of 2.17 points per game across 54 matches, he failed to secure any major silverware for the club.
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Last season, Al-Nassr finished as runners-up to Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League and lost to their rivals in both the Saudi King's Cup and Saudi Super Cup finals.
The team's defensive vulnerabilities and lack of cohesion on the pitch were particularly evident in their 4-1 drubbing by Al-Hilal in the Super Cup final.
Castro's inconsistent style of play left fans and club officials frustrated, ultimately leading to his dismissal after just three matches of the new season.
Stefano Pioli looks set to become Cristiano Ronaldo's new manager
PA
Reports suggest that Cristiano Ronaldo had recommended his former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane as his preferred choice for Al-Nassr's next head coach. However, the club appears set to appoint Pioli instead.
Zidane, who led Ronaldo to three Champions League titles at Madrid, reportedly rejected a lucrative offer from Al-Nassr last year.
Cristiano Ronaldo wanted Zinedine Zidane in charge
PA
Al-Nassr's next match is against Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq on Friday night in the Saudi Pro League. It remains uncertain whether Pioli will be in charge by then.
The club will be eager to turn their fortunes around quickly, as they aim to challenge for the league title and improve their performance in continental competitions.