- Al-Ittihad were beaten 2-0 by Iraqi outfit Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on Monday
- The Saudi champions are sixth in the Pro League with just six wins from 12
- Chris Sutton tells all on the hardest day of his career – Listen to It’s All Kicking Off
Nuno Espirito Santo and Karim Benzema were caught up in a serious argument on Monday ahead of the former Tottenham boss’ sacking from Al-Ittihad, with the details of their argument now leaked by a Saudi Arabian outlet.
Espirito Santo was let go by the Saudi Pro League champions despite his successes at the helm last season, after a shaky start to the new campaign that included a defeat to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on Monday.
Despite a star-studded roster including the likes of former Ballon d’Or winner Benzema, Al-Ittihad were stung by a 2-0 loss in Iraq in the AFC Champions League, with the former Wolves boss not lasting long int he job in the wake of it.
The Saudi champions might have led the way last term but are sat in just sixth this season, and with results on the wane, reports are suggesting that the mood in the dressing room was also on the decline.
The loss in Iraq is said to have been a trigger point, with Benzema and Espirito Santo clashing at half-time, with their side 1-0 down after a 44th-minute opener from Ali Jasim for the hosts.
‘You are a great player, but it seems that you are too lazy to put pressure on your rival,’ Espirito Santo told Benzema according to Saudi Arabian outlet Al Riyadiah.
Benzema seemingly did not take the rebuke well, reportedly replying: ‘Don’t just talk to me, talk to the whole group.’
The Portuguese coach then responded with: ‘You are the leader of the team, the example for the players and the most important athlete. You must take the initiative and be an example for all the players.’
Al Riyadiah continues to report that that the reprimand from Espirito Santo continued, while Benzema refuted the claim that he was ‘lazy’.
Reports have circulated around the club that Espirito Santo’s position was precarious, with Benzema believed to have told the board at Al-Ittihad that the manager’s role was inhibiting the progress of the club’s project.
The Portuguese boss was later dismissed on Tuesday, and reports suggest the club may look to bring in a French manager to please Benzema.
From the list of suggestions, Laurent Blanc – who used to manage Lyon – is rumoured to be a replacement.
Zinedine Zidane has also been listed as the dream managerial appointment for the side, but he has so far declined any suggestions.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
