Al Ittihad Respond to Karim Benzema's ‘Unhappy’ Claims After Bust Up With Coach

Al Ittihad Respond to Karim Benzema's ‘Unhappy’ Claims After Bust Up With Coach

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at August 24, 2023 at 3:59 PM
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  • Al-Ittihad have denied claims of Karim Benzema being unhappy at the club
  • Benzema's relationship with Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo is very tense
  • The French forward joined Al-Ittihad this summer after leaving Spanish giants Real Madrid

Al-Ittihad have debunked rumours that Karim Benzema is set to leave the Saudi Pro League club just months after signing from Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Real Madrid legend is said to be at odds with manager Nuno Espirito Santo and has demanded his agent find him a move away from the Saudi Pro League club.

Karim Benzema, Real Madrid, UEFA Champions League, Chelsea, Stamford Bridge
Karim Benzema has failed to score in Al-Ittihad first two opening league games of the 2023/24 season. Photo by Yasser Bakhsh
Source: Getty Images

According to Tribal Football, Al-Ittihad have now denied the reports and are insisting Benzema is happy after posting a short clip of the forward smiling in one of the club’s facilities.

Nuno has made it clear to the Al-Ittihad hierarchy that Benzema does not fit his style of play and did not sanction the club’s move to sign the former Real Madrid captain.

Benzema became the second-biggest signing for the Saudi Pro League behind Cristiano Ronaldo after he joined Al-Ittihad as a free agent, earning a whopping salary of £172 million per year.

Benzema and Nuno’s rift explained

Meanwhile, the crisis in the Al-Ittihad dressing room is heating up between Karim Benzema and manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the French forward was denied the club’s captaincy, MARCA reports.

Benzema had asked for the captaincy but 'clashed' with the decision of the Portuguese manager, who decided to give the armband to Romarinho and then to Ahmed Sharahili

Benzema's relationship with Nuno is now very tense after the coach made it clear that the former Real Madrid striker does not fit his style of play, sparking a fuss between Al-Ittihad men.

Nuno wants Karim Benzema sacked

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Nuno Espirito Santo has reportedly communicated to the Al-Ittihad board that the tactical approach he employs does not align well with the playing characteristics of Karim Benzema.

Benzema announced his departure from Real Madrid in June, ending a 14-year tenure marked by four La Liga triumphs and an impressive five UEFA Champions League victories.

Benzema has made two appearances for Al-Ittihad this season and although he hasn't found the net himself, he did contribute an assist during a 3-0 triumph against Al-Raed.

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Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..
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