Informed sources within Saudi Arabia's Al-Shabab club have revealed that the club's management has entered into advanced negotiations with renowned Algerian coach Noureddine Benzekri to take over the technical leadership of the first football team. This move comes as an urgent step to correct the team's course, following the departure of Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil, whose days with the "Sheikh of Clubs" are numbered due to declining performance and a series of disappointing results.
General context and deteriorating results
Al-Shabab is experiencing a difficult season that falls short of the expectations of its fans and management. After a series of poor results in the Saudi Professional League, the recent draw against Oman's Al-Nahda in the Gulf Champions League proved to be the final straw. This result sparked anger and discontent within the club, prompting the management to expedite the search for a replacement capable of getting the team back on track. According to sources, negotiations with Ben Zekri have progressed significantly, with the club's management having already submitted an official memorandum to the Ministry of Sports seeking the necessary approval to dismiss coach Al-Ghawasil and appoint a new coach.
Who is Nur al-Din ibn Zakri?
Noureddine Benzekri is not a new face in Saudi football; he is a coach with extensive experience and a deep understanding of Saudi football and its challenges. He has previously coached several clubs in the Kingdom, most notably Al-Raed, Al-Fayha, and Damac, achieving positive results with them, particularly in difficult tasks requiring rebuilding confidence and tactical discipline. Benzekri is known for his strong personality and ability to enforce discipline both on and off the field, in addition to his enthusiastic style that successfully energizes players—qualities that Al-Shabab may need at this critical juncture to salvage their season.
The importance and expected impact of the decision
The potential signing of Benzekri carries significant weight on several levels. Domestically , Al-Shabab's management hopes his arrival will improve the team's position in the Saudi Professional League standings and avoid complicated calculations at the end of the season. Regionally , the club aims to compete strongly in Gulf tournaments, and a change in coaching staff could provide the team with a new morale and technical boost. Internationally , this move reflects the high dynamism and immense pressure faced by coaches in the Saudi league, which has become a global focus, where there is no room for complacency in achieving immediate results commensurate with the substantial investments. The official announcement remains contingent on final approvals, but all indications point towards the beginning of a new era for Al-Shabab under Algerian coaching leadership.
