The management of Al-Shabab Saudi Club has settled the controversy circulating in sports circles and social media regarding the truth of entering into negotiations with the veteran Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri, to take over the technical leadership of the first football team, succeeding the current Spanish coach, Imanol Alguacil.
This official clarification came from Mohammed Al-Shehri, the club's spokesperson, who categorically denied recent reports that the club was awaiting approval from the Financial Sustainability Committee to finalize the contract with Ben Zekri. Al-Shehri stated in a tweet posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter) this morning, Friday: "Regarding the circulating news that Al-Shabab Club submitted the name of a specific coach to the relevant authorities and then requested approval to contract with him... we would like to confirm that this news is completely false. May God grant us success.".
The context of rumors and declining results
These rumors come at a time when Al-Shabab is going through a very difficult period in the Saudi Professional League. The team is suffering from a significant decline in results, leaving them in a precarious position in the standings. Al-Shabab currently sits in fifteenth place with only 8 points, a position very close to the relegation zone, which has raised concerns among Al-Shabab fans and prompted them to demand an immediate turnaround.
Al Shabab management had contracted with Spaniard Emanuel Alguacil last July, hoping that he would bring the team back to the podium and compete for top positions, but the stumbling start to the season put the coach under enormous pressure and opened the door to speculation about his future.
Why is Ben Zakri's name associated with youth?
The connection between Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri and Al-Shabab is not without reason; the coach enjoys a strong reputation in the Saudi league as a "man for tough jobs" or a "savior." Benzekri boasts an impressive track record in Saudi football, having previously led several clubs to safety from relegation at the last minute, most notably his successful stints with Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, and Damac, in addition to his most recent experience with Al-Kholoud last season and his time coaching Al-Akhdoud.
This reputation made him a logical choice, in the eyes of some analysts and fans, for any team struggling with poor results, given his well-known ability to instill fighting spirit in players and quickly organize the defense. However, the official denial from Al-Shabab's management confirms their continued commitment – so far – to the stability of the current coaching staff led by Alguacil, and their attempt to overcome the current slump without resorting to radical changes that could disrupt the team's plans mid-season.
