Saudi club Al Shabab have settled on Algerian coach Noureddine Zekri to succeed Spaniard Imanol Alguacil, pending a final agreement for the latter’s departure.
Club officials recently summoned Alguacil’s agent to Riyadh to negotiate an amicable termination of his contract.
Saudi newspaper Okaz reported that Al Shabab have already reached a preliminary agreement with Zekri to take over the team in the coming period.
The experienced Algerian coach knows the Saudi league well, having previously managed Al Raed, Al Fayha, Damac, Al Okhdood and Al Khaleej, and is renowned for saving several clubs from relegation battles in the Saudi Pro League.
Al Shabab currently sit 15th in the table with just 8 points from 11 matches, earned through one win, 5 draws and 5 defeats, leaving them dangerously close to the drop zone.
Alguacil took charge at the start of the season, but the capital club struggled under his leadership not only in the league, but also in the GCC Champions League and exited the King’s Cup at the quarter-final stage, prompting the board to move toward change.
