Al-Hilal part ways with Coach Jorge Jesus after AFC Champions League exit

Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal have officially parted ways with head coach Jorge Jesus, just days after their elimination from the AFC Champions League Elite semifinals following a 3-1 defeat to domestic rivals Al-Ahli. The decision was confirmed by the club via a statement on X, citing mutual consent between the two parties.

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The 70-year-old Portuguese tactician, who joined Al-Hilal in July 2023, led the Riyadh-based club on a record-breaking 34-game winning streak last season and secured their 19th Saudi Pro League title. However, despite a dominant run, the club currently trails league leaders Al-Ittihad by six points with only five matches left in the current season.

“The Board of Directors of Al-Hilal Club Company has agreed with the Portuguese head coach of the first football team Jorge Jesus to terminate the contractual relationship between them,” read the official club statement.

In the interim, club legend Mohammed Al-Shalhoub has been appointed caretaker manager while reports from local media suggest that Al-Hilal is in talks with foreign candidates to lead the team ahead of their participation in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the U.S. this June, where they will face Real Madrid in their opening match on June 18.

Jesus’ exit also comes amid swirling speculation linking him with the vacant Brazil national team job, which has remained open since Dorival Junior’s dismissal in March.

SportsLigue