Al-Nassr manager set to leave club and replace Premier League legend – after ‘upsetting Cristiano Ronaldo’
AL-NASSR’S manager is reportedly on the brink of leaving after allegedly upsetting Cristiano Ronaldo.
And he may replace a Premier League legend.
Stefano Pioli only took over at the Saudi Pro League club in September.
Al-Nassr are third in the table – ten points off leaders Al-Ittihad.
But it is not the team’s form that is threatening to cost Pioli his job.
Instead, it is his relationship with main man Ronaldo that could see him axed.
According to Calciomercato, a feud has broken out between Pioli and the £173million-a-year superstar.
The Italian boss, 59, controversially subbed Ronaldo off in their 3-1 win over Al-Kholood on March 14.
Petulant Ronaldo, 40, was typically unhappy with the decision and stormed off down the tunnel after exchanging some brief words with his manager.
And with Ronaldo holding so much power at the club due to his iconic status in the game, even with his current contract expiring this summer, it is understood it will be Pioli who would make way if their relationship is beyond repair.
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He would likely depart at the end of the season in June, when he has a break clause in his contract.
Pioli, though, could return to work immediately – by replacing another Italian.
Claudio Ranieri is currently in his third spell in charge at Roma.
The former Chelsea boss famously won the Premier League with Leicester at odds of 5,000-1 in 2015-16.
But he will leave his Roma post at the end of the season and is set to become a director at the Stadio Olimpico, even leading the search for his replacement.
And Piolo is thought to be under serious consideration – despite previously managing Milan, Inter and arch-rivals Lazio.
Ranieri has already ruled out Atalants boss Gian Piero Gasperini despite strong media rumours.