Soccer-Laurent Blanc named Al-Ittihad’s new coach

July 13 (Reuters) - Laurent Blanc has been named Al-Ittihad's new coach, replacing Marcelo Gallardo, the Saudi Pro League club announced on Saturday.

"Welcome to Al-Ittihad, Coach Laurent Blanc," Al-Ittihad posted on the X social media platform without providing more details on the contract.

Local media reported that the Frenchman joins the Jeddah-based club on a two-season contract with an optional third campaign.

Blanc, whose most recent managerial role with Olympique Lyonnais came to an end in September 2023, visited Al-Ittihad’s pre-season training camp in Spain where he met his new players, the Saudi club said.

The 58-year-old takes the helm after the club ended the Argentine Gallardo's contract earlier this month.

Al-Ittihad, led by Frenchmen Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante among other well-known players, failed to defend their league title, ending the 2023-2024 season in fifth place, 42 points adrift of champions Al-Hilal.

(Reporting by Taha Mohamed in Cairo; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

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