Winger Jota’s journey with Al-Ittihad is facing a major setback as his key supporter, manager Marcelo Gallardo, is rumored to be departing the struggling team. After moving from Celtic to the Saudi Pro League in a lucrative deal last summer, Jota struggled to find his place in the squad under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo. However, under Gallardo’s leadership, he experienced a career resurgence, only to now face uncertainty with the possible departure of the Argentine coach.
Following a disappointing 5-0 defeat to Al-Ettifaq, reports indicate that Gallardo has reached an agreement to terminate his contract due to a strained relationship with the board. Saudi pundits are quick to shift blame onto Jota, questioning the decision to sign him from Celtic and stating that his inclusion in the squad was a strategic error.
The situation at Al-Ittihad is tense as the team sits in fifth place in the league after failing to defend their title under Gallardo’s guidance. Jota’s future with the team remains uncertain as the fallout from Gallardo’s potential exit continues to unfold.
