Al Hilal clash could trigger first managerial sacking in Saudi Pro League

Al Taawoun could make Zarko Lazetic the first managerial casualty of the current Roshn Saudi League season if they fail to take a positive result against Al Hilal on Saturday.

Al Hilal travel to face Al Taawoun at the home side’s stadium in Buraidah in the seventh round of the competition, with Lazetic’s position reportedly under serious threat.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, Al Taawoun’s board is considering dismissing the Serbian coach immediately after the match. The club is expected to hold a special meeting in Buraidah once the game has ended, when the board will assess the team’s situation before making an official decision on Lazetic’s future.

Lazetic has been in charge since the beginning of the season but has yet to oversee a victory. Al Taawoun have drawn three and lost three of their opening six matches, leaving them 14th in the table with three points.

The result against Al Hilal is therefore being viewed as Lazetic’s final opportunity to remain in charge of the club, known as “Al-Sukkari Al-Qassimi”, in the coming weeks.

The Serbian will hope his team can produce a result similar to the one achieved by French manager Christophe Galtier, whose Neom side recorded a surprise 2-0 victory over Al Hilal on Monday.

That match was played at Kingdom Arena in the sixth round of the Roshn Saudi League. A comparable performance against the league leaders could give Lazetic the chance to extend his time on the Al Taawoun bench.

Al Hilal currently sit top of the Saudi league with 15 points. They lead Al Nassr and Al Qadsiah on goal difference, with those two clubs occupying second and third place respectively.