Stefano Pioli becomes the new head coach of Al Nassr

Al Nassr CEO, Guido Fienga, hinted that Cristiano Ronaldo influenced the club's decision to bring in Stefano Pioli. The Yellow Submarine has changed their head coach, they have fired Luis Castro from the coaching seat. Instead, they brought in 58-year-old Pioli. The Italian coach was previously unwaged after being sacked from AC Milan.

Castro was sacked after Al Nassr's performance at the start of the Saudi Pro League competition was not optimal. From three matches they only won once and drew twice this season and standing 7th in the points table. The 39-year-old ace striker Ronaldo may not have directly influenced the change in Al Nassr's coaching chair. However, his influence is very big at the club.

This was acknowledged by Guido Fienga, who said that Ronaldo was the one who showed the way for Al Nassr to find a new coach. "Cristiano Ronaldo doesn't control the club, but, as the world's number one, he gives us direction on the path we have to take and what goals we have to achieve," Guido Fienga told Asharq Sports, via Goal. "He's a winner. We asked him to teach us how to win and this year we want to win with him and achieve the biggest goals possible. Ronaldo is part of the team and we are very happy to be able to count on him," Guido said.

Guido Fienga then revealed another reason why Al Nassr chose Stefano Pioli. He said Pioli has good experience with AC Milan.

The Milan squad he coached at that time was strengthened by many young players. The Al Nassr squad itself now also has many young players who need guidance from the right person. "The decision to change coaches is always difficult. However, we continue because we are convinced that it is the right decision at this time," he said.

"Hierro and his team proposed Pioli because of his ability to teach, improve and build teams, as well as help players develop. Now we need to align the development of some young Saudi players with the international players we have," he said. "The technical department is convinced that Pioli is the best on the market today," explained Guido.