Fight Ensued as Now Sacked Nuno Espírito Santo Called Karim Benzema ‘Lazy’ After Al-Ittihad’s Loss in AFC Champions League

Al Ittihad made a bold decision on Nuno Espirito Santo following their lackluster performances in the league. The Tigres sacked the Portuguese coach after constant criticism this season. Sources claim that the head coach had a heated exchange with Karim Benzema in the dressing room during their most recent AFC Champions League match.

Previously, Al Ittihad’s board of directors backed the manager despite a five-game winless streak in the Saudi Pro League. Unfortunately, Nuno Santo couldn’t secure his job with the Saudi side despite making a positive impact in the first season with the club.

What happened between Nuno Espirito Santo and Karim Benzema?

Al Ittihad was handed their first loss in the AFC Champions League against Al Jawiya last Monday. The atmosphere around the club took a noticeable shift after this loss. Fans and media questioned the efficiency of the Portuguese coach and a few hours later the head coach was gone. According to Al Riyadiya, Nuno Santos flamed a significant dispute with Karim Benzema at half-time of the match.

The former Wolves manager criticized the Frenchman for his gameplay in the dressing room. He said, “You are a great player, but it seems that you are being lazy in putting pressure on the opponent.” Karim Benzema replied by asking to address the whole group rather than condemning him for the results. The coach then angrily remarked, “You are the team leader, the player’s role model, and the most important player in it. You must take the initiative”.

 Nuno Santo failed to meet Al Ittihad’s expectations despite his Premier League experience and also lost the support of the players this season. The board decided to terminate his contract. They will look to improve their position in all competitions by introducing a new head coach in the days ahead. Al Ittihad found significant success under the Portuguese coach before their change in fortunes in the mid-season.

Read More: After 2 Wins in 8 Games, Al Ittihad Told to Sack Nuno Espirito Santo as Karim Benzema’s Side Plummet on League Table

Al Ittihad’s tenure under the Portuguese coach

The Jedah-based club occupies the sixth position in the Saudi Pro League, 11 points behind the leader, Al Hilal. The Tigres have won just six out of the 12 games that they played. The Saudi side introduced European talents in the squad to enhance their success across all competitions. However, Al Ittihad couldn’t replicate the form they had under Nuno Santo in the previous season.

The Tigres clinched the Saudi Pro League in the 2022-23 season, securing 22 victories and suffering only two losses. The Portuguese coach also guided the squad to triumph in the Saudi Super Cup. They thrashed Al Fayha with a 2-0 scoreline in the final match of the tournament. Nonetheless, the 49-year-old manager failed to emulate his past success, resulting in his departure from the club. Do you agree with Al Itthad’s decision on Nuno Espirito Santo? Comment and let us know.

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