Al-Ittihad Manager Wants Karim Benzema Out Of The Club

The future of Karim Benzema, the reigning Ballon d'Or winner and one of the highest paid footballers in the world, with his new club Al-Ittihad has been called into question following reports that manager Nuno Espirito Santo wants him out of the team.

Reportedly having a difficult time at his new club, the French football player who transferred to Al-Ittihad from Real Madrid in June 2023. Nuno Espirito Santo, manager of Al-Ittihad, reportedly advised the club's board to release Benzema since the striker does not fit into his tactical plans. [caption id="attachment_8634" align="aligncenter" width="656"] Nuno Espirito Santos, Al Ittihad's Manager claims he did not request the services of Karim Benzema. | Credit: Gettyimages[/caption]

Karim Benzema’s Controversial Move to Saudi Arabia

After 14 years with Real Madrid, Benzema startled the football world by signing with Al-Ittihad in June 2023. By a wide measure, he is one of the highest-paid football players in history, having signed a two-year contract worth $200 million per year (after taxes). He also made history as the first winner of the Ballon d'Or to play in Saudi Arabia. Many Real Madrid supporters saw Benzema's transfer to Al-Ittihad as a betrayal and accused him of being selfish and untruthful. Benzema explained his move by claiming he sought a fresh challenge and was drawn to the project and vision of Al-Ittihad.

Tensions Between Benzema and Santo

The move to Al-Ittihad was supposed to be the next step in Benzema's spectacular career, but so far, things are not going as planned for the Frenchman. Nuno Espirito Santo, who came to Al-Ittihad in May 2023 from Wolves, is reportedly at odds with Benzema because the French striker does not suit the Portuguese manager's preferred playing style. [caption id="attachment_8633" align="aligncenter" width="623"] Benzema has said he does not feel comfortable playing in Al Ittihad in just two months of arrival at the club. | Credit: Gettyimages[/caption] It has been reported that Nuno has been frustrated with Benzema's play and attitude and has sought to bench him on multiple occasions, only to be overturned by the club's board, who view Benzema as a valuable marketing tool. Rocketparrot reports that Santo has informed the Al-Ittihad board that he did not request the transfer of Benzema since the player does not suit his playing style. The 35-year-old forward also requested the captaincy but was denied by the team's Portuguese manager.

Karim Benzema's Contribution to the Club

After two straight wins over Al-Raed and Al-Ta'ee, Al-Ittihad is currently in first place in the domestic table. Although, Benzema didn't score in both games, he managed to get an assist against the former. Karim Benzema has only been with Al-Ittihad for two months, but he reportedly feels "not comfortable" in his present role there.

Implications of the feud

Board members are at a crossroads, having to decide whether to support the manager or the team's star player. They fear losing Nuno and are hesitant to fire Karim Benzema. While the club has placed a high value on the Frenchman, they are aware of Nuno's track record as a manager and the positive effect he has had on the team's morale and performance. It is anticipated that the board will reach a decision soon. No matter what they decide, Al-Ittihad's future and reputation will be profoundly affected.