The Karim Benzema Feud with Manager Marcelo Gallardo Continues as the Al-Ittihad Striker Refuses to Train Alone
The relationship between Karim Benzema and his Al-Ittihad manager, Marcelo Gallardo took a dive on Wednesday when the Frenchman reportedly stormed out of training, refusing to train alone, thus ignoring the manager’s directive.
His actions have irked the manager, and he has fired back by not selecting the Frenchman for Al-Ittihad’s upcoming clash against Al-Tai in the Saudi Pro League.
Reports by Arriyadiya, the Saudi Arabian outlet, Karim Benzema was asked to leave the group training session due to fitness concerns. The manager believed that Benzema’s fitness levels were not up to the expected standards for the group training sessions.
However, the player insisted that he had gone through the individual sessions and that the manager had nothing to worry about his fitness.
Reports indicate that Benzema has had discontent with the club and the manager for some time now. The striker was linked with a move to the Premier League with Chelsea, Manchester United, and Arsenal mooted a potential suitor, but no deal materialized.
The breakdown of communication between Benzema and Gallardo will be watched closely in coming matches, with Al-Ittihad looking to straighten their season and ensure their priced asset is happy.
