Al-Ain’s heavy 5-1 defeat to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the Asian Champions League sealed the fate of Argentine coach Hernan Crespo. Despite its past successes, including a title in the Asian LDC last May, the recent results of Al-Ain, last in its group with only two points, have disappointed the management. In a press release, the club indicated that current performances no longer met the club’s ambitions, thus justifying this radical decision.
Crespo thanked
Arriving in November 2023, Crespo had given hope to Al-Ain supporters, but a series of poor performances tarnished this run. This slap against Al-Nassr highlights a difficult turning point for Al-Ain, which is also struggling in the local championship. Crespo therefore leaves the Emirati club with a mixed record.
Leonardo Jardim takes over the job at Al-Ain. Since 2021, the Portuguese technician who worked for AS Monaco has managed Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, Shabab Al Ahli in the United Arab Emirates and Al-Rayyan in Qatar. He is now back in the Emirates but at the head of an Abu Dhabi team.
