Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr identify Portuguese manager as potential candidate to replace Luis Castro: Reports
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr have identified former Porto manager Sergio Conceicao as a candidate to replace Luis Castro if the club's management decide to sack him, according to Saudi news outlet @NFC1World.
Castro was appointed as Al-Nassr's head coach last summer but failed to win any trophies despite signing the likes of Sadio Mane, Otavio, and Aymeric Laporte. The Knights of Najd finished second in the Saudi Pro League standings with 82 points, 14 points behind rivals Al-Hilal - who went the entire season unbeaten.
Moreover, Cristiano Ronaldo and Co. were unable to secure the Saudi Super Cup, AFC Champions League, or the King Cup of Champions, losing on penalties in the final of the latter.
Despite retaining the management's backing to continue for the 2024-25 campaign, Castro's side have looked extremely underwhelming during pre-season. They have won just one out of their eight friendlies, drawn three, and lost four - including a 4-0 loss to Porto, and most recently a 3-0 loss at the hands of Almeria.
Recent reports claim that Al-Nassr's management are now unhappy with Castro due to the recent results. He will reportedly have one final chance in the Saudi Super Cup to prove his worth, with the Knights of Najd set to face Al-Taawoun in the semi-finals on Wednesday, August 14.
One manager who the SPL outfit are considering as a possible replacement is Sergio Conceicao. The 49-year-old is currently without a club after departing from Porto on June 30 after a successful seven-year tenure.
Conceicao managed 379 games for Porto, winning 274 of them with a win percentage of 72.30. He won 11 trophies in total, including three league titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr handed boost ahead of Saudi Super Cup S/F clash: Reports
Luis Castro will be feeling the pressure as he tries to get Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr back to winning ways in their Saudi Super Cup semi-final clash against Al-Taawoun. However, as per @NFC1World, Anderson Talisca could return to the squad to give Castro a much-needed boost.
Talisca missed 17 games last season due to a thigh injury. Despite returning during the start of pre-season, the Brazilian recently suffered another setback and is yet to return to the starting line-up.
The 30-year-old's return would be massive for Al-Nassr as he had an excellent 2023-24 season, scoring 25 goals and providing four assists in 25 appearances across all competitions.
In addition, Cristiano Ronaldo is also expected to start against Al-Taawoun after missing all of their friendlies this summer. The Portugal ace was also phenomenal last season, garnering 44 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances across competitions.