Due to a “tense conflict” with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, Al-Ittihad may decide to release KARIM BENZEMA from his contract.
The 35-year-old Ballon d’Or winner left Real Madrid in June and joined the Saudi Arabian team. Nuno Espirito Santo, the leader of Al-Ittihad, may shun Karim Benzema.
Star striker Benzema and former Spurs manager Nuno are apparently at odds.
With three goals in four games in the Arab Club Champions Cup, he scored his first three goals in the Middle East.
The £3.3 million weekly star, though, has failed to score in their first two league games, both of which Al-Ittihad won.
Asharq Al-Aswat, a Saudi publication, reports that Nuno is thinking of benching Benzema from his starting lineup.
There are reportedly “tense” feelings between the former head coach of Tottenham and the Real Madrid icon.
It is said that Nuno does not enjoy Benzema’s style of play and that he did not choose to sign the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, Benzema is alleged to have grumbled about “being treated unprofessionally by his coach”.
Additionally, a controversy involving the club captain has aggravated tensions.
As part of his transfer negotiations with Al-Ittihad, who won the Saudi Pro League championship under Nuno last season, Benzema had agreed to be captain.
Nuno, however, immediately after his arrival awarded the armband to Romarinho, a club veteran.
And tension between Benzema and his manager is said to have prevented the striker from showing up for practice.
It is acknowledged that a solution is required, that Benzema risked expulsion if the problem could not be fixed. The scenario has stunned the fans in the meanwhile.
One person commented on social media that Nuno might not have style if a five-time champions league winner doesn’t fit into it.
An additional commenter said, “Benzema can win any team a trophy, they’re missing out.”
In response, a third person said, “If Benzema doesn’t fit in your tactical style, you have no tactics.”
He’s your best player, a fourth person said. Nuno, figure out how to assemble the team around him.
Benzema had an incredible 14-year career with Real Madrid, scoring 354 goals in 648 games.
He won a ton of trophies at the Bernabeu, including five Champions Leagues and four LaLiga championships. Additionally, he scored 37 goals in 97 appearances for France.