Ittihad Jeddah have officially announced the appointment of Marcelo Gallardo as their new head coach on Sunday.
The Saudi champions had sacked Nuno Espirito Santo following their defeat to Iraq’s Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the AFC Champions League group stages.
Despite being heavily linked to former Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, the Spaniard ultimately turned down the chance to coach in the Middle East.
Just hours later, Ittihad turned their attention to former River Plate boss Marcelo Gallardo as they quickly found an agreement to land the Argentinian.
The 47-year-old has signed an 18-month contract at Ittihad and is set to lead the Black and Yellows in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
His first game in charge will be away against Steven Gerrard’s Ettifaq on Friday after the end of the November international break.