Karim Benzema's Struggles at Al-Ittihad
Karim Benzema, the French striker and 2022 Ballon d'Or winner, has faced a tumultuous first season with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. His journey has been marked by complications and conflicts that have significantly impacted his performance and standing within the team.
Marcelo Gallardo's Departure and Its Implications
The departure of coach Marcelo Gallardo from Al-Ittihad has been confirmed by the club's president, Loay Nazer. Gallardo's decision to exclude Benzema from key matches, including the round of 16 of the Asian Champions League, was deemed 'unacceptable' by the club's management. This decision, coupled with Gallardo's overall poor results, led to his dismissal despite his firm stance on maintaining discipline and fairness within the team.
Future Prospects for Al-Ittihad
With Gallardo's exit, Al-Ittihad is now in search of a new coach. The club, which finished a disappointing 5th in the previous championship, is looking to rebuild and improve its standings. The presence of high-profile players like Benzema and N'Golo Kanté underscores the importance of finding a coach who can effectively manage star players and lead the team to success in upcoming competitions.
- The tension between Benzema and Gallardo began early in the year when Benzema returned late to training after the holidays. Gallardo, committed to maintaining discipline, ordered Benzema to train separately, which the striker refused, leading to a significant fallout.
- Despite efforts by Al-Ittihad's management to mend the relationship between the coach and the player, the situation only worsened, culminating in Gallardo's dismissal in early May. Gallardo left for Argentina without a formal agreement to terminate his contract, which was supposed to last until mid-2025.
- As the club prepares for the new season, the management has a few weeks to finalize the appointment of a new coach. The goal is to improve the team's performance and secure a better position in the championship, leveraging the talents of star players like Benzema and Kanté.
