Cristiano Ronaldo helps trigger Hernan Crespo's sacking as ex-Chelsea & Inter Milan striker is dismissed after Al-Nassr's 5-1 rout

The Garden City club’s patience ran thin after a humiliating continental defeat to Al-Nassr that left them at the bottom of their West Asia group with only two points from four matches. This result extended their winless streak to four games, a span during which they have conceded a staggering 14 goals. The club’s leadership had evidently seen enough, concluding that a managerial change was necessary to steer the team back on course.

In a formal statement, Al-Ain stated: "The outcome of this season was not in line with our ambitions. While we thank coach Crespo and his technical staff for their efforts and professionalism, the recent performances have fallen short of what we believe this team is capable of."

Crespo, 49, took the reins at Al-Ain in November 2023 and had a notable run, leading the club to its second Asian Champions League title after defeating Japan's Yokohama F. Marinos in a two-legged final, marking a high point in Crespo’s tenure. During their fairytale journey to the championship, they ousted Saudi powerhouses Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal along the way.

Despite this historic success, Al-Ain have been inconsistent this season, especially from the end of September. Their domestic campaign in the UAE Pro League also reflects their struggles, as they currently sit in eighth place with eight points from five games, trailing league leaders Shabab Al Ahli by 10 points. Their struggles were also evident in the Intercontinental Cup, where they were eliminated after a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Al Ahly, the reigning African champions.

During his year-long tenure, Crespo managed Al-Ain through 47 matches, amassing a record of 23 wins, six draws, and 18 losses. The club is expected to announce Crespo's replacement in the coming days, as they look to reinvigorate the team and contend more effectively in both domestic and continental competitions.