Saudi Arabia's Al-Shabab FC officially announced the appointment of veteran Algerian coach Nour Benzekri as the new head coach of the first team, in a swift and decisive move aimed at correcting the team's course after a shaky start to the season. This decision came after the dismissal of Spanish coach Imanol Alguacil due to poor results, leading the "White Lions" to turn to a name well-known in Saudi football as the "emergency coach" or "savior," given his proven track record of rescuing clubs from relegation.
Historical background: Ben Zekri, a rescue missions expert
The decision by Al-Shabab's management to appoint coach Nour Ben Zekri was not arbitrary, but rather based on his successful coaching career, particularly in the Saudi Professional League, where he distinguished himself as a specialist in crisis management and achieving positive results in difficult circumstances. Ben Zekri possesses a strong reputation as a coach capable of restoring tactical discipline and boosting player morale, crucial factors for teams struggling in the relegation zone.
His career is marked by success in four complex rescue missions, cementing his position as one of the leading trainers in the field:
- Al-Fayha Club (2018-2019 season): He took over coaching the team at a critical time and succeeded in leading it to achieve a series of positive results that ensured its survival in the Professional League.
- Damac FC (2019-2020 season): He repeated his achievement with Damac, where the team was one of the most prominent candidates for relegation, but he managed to organize his ranks and achieve a historic “comeback” to remain among the elite.
- Al-Akhdoud Club (2023-2024 season): In one of his toughest tasks, Ben Zakri led the newly promoted Al-Akhdoud team to stay in the Roshen League despite fierce competition, confirming his tactical prowess.
- Al-Kholoud Club: He added Al-Kholoud to his list of successes, as he contributed to its stability and avoided relegation last season before leaving at the end of his contract.
The importance of contracting and its expected impact
The signing of Nour Benzekri is of paramount importance to Al-Shabab at the local level. With its history and potential, the club shouldn't be fighting relegation; it should be competing for top positions. Al-Shabab fans are hoping that the Algerian coach's experience will be the lifeline to salvage the current season and get the team back on track. In the short term, Benzekri is expected to focus on the defensive aspect and the team's tactical organization, while also working on the players' mental state to restore their lost confidence.
Regionally, this appointment enhances the reputation of Arab coaches, particularly those from North Africa, and their ability to succeed in one of the strongest leagues currently in Asia. Ben Zekri's success with a club the size of Al Shabab could pave the way for more Arab coaches to take the helm of major clubs in the region. As for the coach himself, this task represents a new and different challenge. His success will not be measured solely by survival, but by his ability to elevate the team to higher positions, potentially transforming his image from a "rescue coach" to one capable of building ambitious sporting projects.
