Jorge Jesus has been dismissed as head coach of Al Hilal following the club’s elimination from the AFC Champions League semi-finals. The decision was announced Friday night in an official statement from the Saudi side.
After a string of disappointing results, the pressure finally caught up with the Portuguese manager. Despite being in the race for the Saudi Pro League title with five matches remaining, the club’s board opted for a swift change at the helm following the Champions League setback.
“The Board of Directors of Al Hilal Club has reached an agreement with first-team head coach Jorge Jesus to terminate their contractual relationship,” the club said in a statement.
Now a free agent, Jorge Jesus could be in line for a major international role. Reports from Brazil suggest the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) has identified him as their backup option should talks with Carlo Ancelotti fall through.