Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Karim Benzema, once a celebrated arrival in Saudi Arabia, now finds himself embroiled in a clash of egos with Al-Ittihad coach Nuno Espírito Santo. The situation, reported by the Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat, shows discord between the French star and the Portuguese coach, based on differences in playing style and management decisions.
Benzema, who recently received the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, is finding it difficult to fit into Nuno’s tactical structure. The coach is said to have expressed reservations about Benzema’s compatibility with his preferred style of play, and his dissatisfaction at not having been consulted before signing the Frenchman is palpable.
Nuno Espírito Santo’s words are surprising. The player of the highest class, who has played successfully for the strongest club in the world, Real, and the French national team. Champion of Spain, winner of the Champions League, winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or… A footballer who was perfect for the world’s most famous coaches “suddenly” doesn’t fit into the scheme of a coach who hasn’t won anything in Europe?
The friction between the two increased even more when it came to leadership roles within the team. Despite Benzema’s illustrious reputation, he faced an impressive hurdle in his bid to become team captain. Romarinho, a Brazilian striker who has held the captain’s armband since the previous season, is an obstacle to Benzema’s aspirations.
The striker’s attempt to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo’s captaincy role at rival club Al-Nassr was blocked by Nuno’s supposed resistance. In response, Benzema escalated the situation, voicing his complaints directly to the institution’s superiors, accusing the coach of a lack of professionalism.
Benzema’s arrival at Al-Ittihad for the 2023/24 season was a high-profile affair, but tensions with Nuno have cast a shadow over his transition. On leaving Real Madrid as a free agent, Benzema signed a contract worth 200 million euros per season with the Saudi club, making him a high-profile signing.
Nuno, who took over at Al-Ittihad in July 2022, marked his debut season by winning the league title, thus establishing his stature. The current season was set for more success with strategic additions such as N’Golo Kanté, Jota and Fabinho. However, Nuno’s reluctance to tinker with the winning formula of the previous campaign extends to the captaincy, leaving the armband firmly in Romarinho’s hands.
As the intrigue deepens between the prolific striker and the experienced coach, the dynamic at Al-Ittihad is set for significant changes, which could impact the team’s trajectory in the current season.