Banished Karim Benzema Stripped Off Captaincy by Al Ittihad Coach Marcelo Gallardo: Reports

Things have not worked out for Karim Benzema following his move to Al Ittihad last summer. Despite his performances, the player has failed to leave an impact on the club’s supporters. The team’s poor form in their recent games has seen the striker take most of the blame. Benzema, following the massive criticism, ditched his team’s training sessions to find some personal space. However, his decision has not gone down well with head coach Marcelo Gallardo.

According to reports, Gallardo has taken the captaincy armband off Karim Benzema. The player is said to be displeased with the player’s recent actions and believes Benzema’s actions are not fitting of a leader. This is not the first time Gallardo has been critical of the Frenchman. The Al Ittihad head coach, on multiple occasions, has held Benzema as the scapegoat for his team’s shortcomings.

Is Karim Benzema unhappy at Al Ittihad?

This is a big surprise for fans worldwide, as Benzema is one of the central figures in Al Ittihad’s attack. However, it has been reported that the player is not too happy with his time in Saudi Arabia. Taking the armband off Benzema could be the right decision if the player and the club are to part ways in the coming weeks.

According to a tweet from NewsNow3Sports, “Gallardo took the decision to withdraw the leadership armband from Karim Benzema.”

Benzema stormed off Al Ittihad’s training sessions following the team’s shambolic defeat to Al Nassr. The player was unhappy with the extreme criticism and even deactivated his Instagram account. According to reports, the Frenchman is frustrated with his time in the Middle Eastern nation and could decide to leave the club in the coming months.

To worsen things, recent reports suggest Benzema did not show up to the Al-Ittihad facility on Friday, following which he has been axed by the manager for the team’s trip to Dubai.

Al Ittihad looks to replace Karim Benzema during the ongoing transfer window

Despite his decent run in the Saudi Pro League, Benzema seems ready to cut his time short in the Middle Eastern league. The player has been frustrated with the lack of respect and constant criticism following his move to Al Ittihad. While losing a player of Benzema’s caliber could be a blow to any side, it seems like Al Ittihad already has a replacement in mind.

READ MORE: Eyeing Karim Benzema’s Exit Threat, Atletico Madrid Star Set to Join Al Ittihad in $66M Move: Reports

According to reports, the side is interested in the services of Atletico star Angel Correa. The side has allegedly offered the player a three-year deal. However, there hasn’t been any official discussion related to the transfer. What are your thoughts on Karim Benzema’s time in Saudi Arabia? Let us know in the comments below.

WATCH THIS STORY | Ten Times Cristiano Ronaldo Four Goals in a Game