Today, Al-Ittihad club has ended the contract with head coach Marcelo Gallardo,” the club of French striker Karim Benzema said on social media, according to Straits Times.

The 48-year-old Argentine Gallardo replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in November after a poor run of results but did not manage to revive the team who finished in fifth spot.

Al-Ittihad, linked with ex-AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli according to local media, will not play in the AFC Champions League Elite or any continental competition next season. REUTERS