Former Cardiff City Boss Expected To Join Top Flight Side

Former Cardiff City manager Sabri Lamouchi is set to become the new manager of Saudi Pro League side Al-Riyadh, according to journalist Darren Witcoop on Twitter (X).

It’s been some time now since Lamouchi’s last stint as a manager, with the former French international having a season out of the game. Prior to that, he had been managing with Cardiff, a spell which came with varied success.

The 52-year-old would join the Welsh outfit in the January of 2023, with the club sat in 21st in England’s third tier. He’d in fact be their third permanent manager that season following the sackings of current Sutton United manager Steve Morison and then Mark Hudson, who barely lasted a third of the season in charge.

Lamouchi would successfully navigate the Bluebirds to safety, albeit perhaps somewhat unconvincingly. They’d finish the season in 21st, five points clear of the drop zone. However, they were incredibly fortunate that Reading, the team directly below them, were handed a six-point deduction which in the end, would be the difference maker.

As a result, the Frenchman was relieved of his duties last summer, with the club then going on to appoint Erol Bulut. Since then, improvements have been seen, with Cardiff finishing last season in 12th.

According to Witcoop, the 52-year-old had held talks with two Championship clubs last season but has instead opted for a move to the Saudi Pro League to link up with Al-Riyadh. Their managerial position is currently vacant following the expiration of Brazilian Odair Hellman’s contract.

Lamouchi has previous experience of coaching in the Middle East, albeit in Qatar. He’d have two fairly successful stints in the Qatar Stars League, first with the now-disbanded EL Jaish and then Al-Duhail, the latter being the club he was with before Cardiff.

It’s fair to say that the former midfielder’s managerial career has never really kicked on and his spell with the Bluebirds did indeed showcase some limitations. The move to the Saudi Pro League could be one that gets his career back on track.

Writer’s View

It’s fair to say that Lamouchi will not go down in history as one of the most-liked Cardiff City managers despite doing the job he was asked to do by keeping them afloat two seasons ago. Had it not been for Reading’s points deduction then things would’ve been very different and they would’ve been playing in the third tier of English football.

Since then, there’s a fair bit more positivity around the club and new manager Erol Bulut did a good job at progressing the side last season. There is however still some off-field troubles which could create some problems next term. In what looks to be a wide-open Championship next term, we may see the Bluebirds somewhat regress as a result.

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