Why did Sami Al-Trabelsi leave Al-Shorta?

Tunisian coach Sami Al-Trabelsi's story with Al-Shorta has ended unexpectedly, as the club issued an official statement confirming the end of the coach's tenure, who was contracted at the beginning of the current season.

On July 5, Al-Shorta announced the signing of Sami Al-Trabelsi to lead the team for the 2026-2027 season, replacing Egyptian coach Moamen Soliman, who preferred to take on a new challenge with Al-Karma. Meanwhile, interim coach Ahmed Salah returned to coach the Iraq U-20 national team after a successful stint with the team.

With the arrival of Al-Trabelsi, Al-Shorta have made significant moves in the transfer market, securing several key signings in recent times, most notably the acquisition of Venezuela international defender Rubén Ramírez, Al Zawraa and Iraq national team defender Maytham Jabbar, Colombian defender Diego Hernández, and Argentine midfielder Cristian Barco, in an effort to build a team capable of competing both domestically and continentally.

Al-Shorta announced in a statement via their official accounts that the administrative body of Al-Shorta Sports Club has ended its association with the coaching staff of the first football team led by Tunisian coach Sami Al-Trabelsi, following an agreement between the two parties to mutually terminate the coaching relationship.

The statement added: The Al-Shorta administrative body extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to coach Sami Al-Trabelsi and the members of the technical staff for their efforts during their time leading the team, wishing them continued success and good fortune in their future endeavors. The administrative body affirms its pride in what Al-Trabelsi has contributed during his time with the Qithara, and values his cooperation and commitment throughout his time with the team.

According to sources close to Al-Karma, the decision to terminate the contract with Sami Al-Trabelsi was not made lightly, but was taken by the administrative body after a comprehensive assessment of the team's performance since the start of the current season.

The management sees that the team has missed a clear and stable playing identity despite the big names that have been contracted. The coach has also been unable to settle on a specific game plan or a starting lineup, which has reflected on the team's performance on the pitch and caused fluctuations in their level from one match to another.

They achieved victory in 6 matches, drew in 4 matches, and lost only one match against Al-Karma in the local league.

In Asian competitions, the team led to a win against Al-Sib from Iraq with a score of one goal to nil, and against East Bengal from India with three goals to two, placing Al-Shorta at the top of their group.