Al-Shabab dismisses Al-Ghawasil and agrees with Nour El-Din Ben Zakri as the team's coach
In a swift administrative move aimed at salvaging the team's season and getting them back on track, the management of Al-Shabab to dismiss coach Emmanuel Alguacil from his position as head coach of the first team. This decisive decision came in response to a wave of fan and administrative discontent following the team's significant decline in performance in recent matches, necessitating immediate intervention to correct the team's course before it was too late.
According to well-informed sources, Al-Shabab's management moved swiftly to secure a replacement, finalizing an agreement with Italian coach of Algerian descent, Noureddine Benzekri , to take over the technical reins. The official signing and announcement of the deal are expected within the next 48 hours, allowing the coach to immediately begin preparing the team for upcoming competitions.
Why Noureddine Ben Zakri? (Background and Context)
The selection of Ben Zekri is not a coincidence, but a strategic choice based on his extensive experience in Saudi football. Ben Zekri is known in Saudi sporting circles as "the crisis man" or "the savior," given his proven track record of rescuing teams from relegation zones and improving their performance in record time. The coach possesses a strong and passionate leadership personality (grinta), which often positively impacts the fighting spirit of his players on the pitch—a quality currently lacking in young players.
Historically, Ben Zekri has coached several Saudi clubs, leaving a clear mark on each. He led Damac in a historic comeback to remain in the Pro League, and also managed Al-Raed , Al-Fayha , and Al-Akhdoud . His last stint was with Al- Kholoud in the 2024/2025 season. This deep knowledge of the Saudi league and the nature of local players makes him a safe choice compared to new coaches who need a long time to adapt.
Expected impact locally and technically
The arrival of Ben Zekri is expected to create a positive shock within the Al Shabab dressing room. Technically, the coach is known for his tactical pragmatism and ability to organize defenses and close down spaces for opponents, while relying on quick counter-attacks. This approach could be the ideal solution to address the defensive fragility the team suffered under Al Ghawasil's management.
On the popular level, Ben Zekri enjoys widespread acceptance due to his fiery statements and evident passion, which could restore confidence among Al-Shabab fans who aspire to see their team fiercely competing for top positions. The success of this experiment will solidify the coach's standing as one of the most prominent experts in Saudi football and return Al-Shabab to the forefront of competition as one of the league's elite.
