Nuno Espirito Santos speaks on his relationship with Karim Benzema

Al-Ittihad's forward player, Karim Benzema has been in the news for falling out with his manager, Nuno Espirito Santos.

Saudi media outlet Asharq Al-Awsat confirmed that coach Nuno Espirito Santos and Karim Benzema have been at loggerheads in recent weeks. However, the former Wolves and Tottenham manager debunked the news after the game against Al-Riyad which was reported by RMC Sport.

"I read in the press that my relationship with Karim Benzema was not good, everyone who knows me knows that, of course, it's absurd. My relationship with all the players is good, we have a strong group, we are happy with all the players, we are happy that Karim is here with us. He is happy on the pitch, you can see, he loves playing for Al-Ittihad. I understand what's going on but we are a strong band, a very, very, very, very strong band."

Benzema scored the opening goal of the match in the 4-0 demolition of Al-Riyad which was played on Thursday, August 24, 2023. There are also rumours that the supporters of the club might see Mohamed Salah play for them.