Rudi Garcia Fired By Al Nassr After Rumors Of Tactical Dispute With Cristiano Ronaldo
Al Nassr fired manager Rudi Garcia on Thursday following rumors of a tactical dispute with star player Cristiano Ronaldo.
Former Roma boss Garcia had been in charge at Al Nassr since June last year.
His last game with the Saudi club was a 0-0 draw at Al Feiha on Sunday.
It has been claimed that Garcia had a heated argument with several players after that match.
Part of that row apparently included Ronaldo questioning Garcia's tactical approach.
Rudi Garcia has left his role as manager of Al Nassr
IMAGO/PanoramiC
Garcia leaves Al Nassr second in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad with seven rounds of fixtures left to play.
Shortly after confirming Garcia's exit on Thursday, Al Nassr revealed that he had been replaced by former Under 19 boss Dinko Jelicic.
Jelicic's first game in charge of the first team will be away at Al-Hilal next Tuesday.
A club statement said that Garcia had left by "mutual agreement" and thanked him and his staff "for their dedicated work during the past 8 months."
Ronaldo has scored 11 goals in his first 12 matches for Al Nassr in all competitions.
Al Nassr have won eight of those 12 games, drawing two and losing two.
Both of Al Nassr's defeats with Ronaldo in the team have been against Al-Ittihad - first in the Saudi Super Cup and then again in the league.
Ronaldo joined Al Nassr in January after falling out with Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag.