Benzema relationship ‘broken’ as Saudi nightmare continues

Robin Bairner

• 8 Feb 2024 08:58 GMT
• 3 min read

Barely a week after Karim Benzema claimed all was well at Al-Ittihad, his relationship with the Saudi Pro League club appears to lie in tatters.

Benzema was linked to a string of major Premier League sides during the January transfer window, with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all associated with the former Ballon d’Or winner.

It was claimed he was unsettled in the Middle East, where his professionalism has been called into question by those with an interest in Al-Ittihad. Benzema, who was also linked with a stunning return to Lyon, denied those accusations.

Now, though, it is claimed that the striker’s relationship with head coach Marcello Gallardo is “broken” as the former Real Madrid star experiences the most turbulent period of his career.

Marca reports: “During Monday's session of the Arab team, the Argentine coach, firm in his conviction of not giving privileges and in pursuit of justice within the locker room, ordered the former Real Madrid player to exercise alone after working with the group. However, Karim refused to do so, became angry... and soon left the session.”

It is added that Benzema and Gallardo barely spoke to each other on Monday.

The Frenchman was not present for Al-Ittihad’s 3-0 friendly win over Al-Tai on Wednesday, adding further fuel to the fire that suggests his time with the Saudi Pro League side will end in the summer.

Benzema another blow to Saudi

For Saudi as a whole, this episode is another embarrassment as it fights to maintain a reputation as being a destination for big-name players.

During the January transfer window, Aymeric Laporte claimed that many foreign stars are unhappy with life in Saudi Arabia.

“To be honest, many of us have also come here not only for football. Many of us are happy with that, but I am also looking for something beyond that is not the economic part and such,” he claimed in comments he later distanced himself from.

Benzema’s relationship breakdown with Gallardo is not helping matters at all.