Reigning Ballon d’Or Winner Complains About Captaincy of the Saudi Team, and Nuno Espírito Santo Hits Back
Tensions have flared up at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad as manager Nuno Espirito Santo reportedly informed the board that Karim Benzema’s playing style doesn’t align with his tactical approach. The situation has sparked a clash between the Portuguese manager and the French striker.
Karim Benzema, who recently moved from Real Madrid to Al-Ittihad on a three-year deal, faces challenges fitting into Santo’s game plan. The disagreement over Benzema’s suitability and the subsequent rejection of his request for the captain’s armband have intensified the tension between the two.
A report from the Saudi newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat revealed the rift, highlighting that Santo made it clear to the club’s board that Benzema wasn’t his preferred choice and hadn’t initiated the transfer request himself. The 35-year-old Frenchman also expressed interest in captaining the team, but the Portuguese manager declined the request.
As a result of this discord, Benzema reportedly feels uneasy in the current environment at Al-Ittihad. This sudden development has raised speculation about the possibility of a surprising transfer move for the prolific striker. The unfolding situation adds an element of intrigue to the Saudi football landscape in the early days of the season.
