Karim Benzema Walks Off Al-Ittihad Training After Falling Out With Manager: Report

Karim Benzema reportedly walked out of the Al-Ittihad training after he refused to abide by the order of boss Marcelo Gallardo. The French striker’s career in Saudi Arabia has been turbulent since he left the club without informing the officials last month. Benzema had flown off from Jeddah before rejoining the squad 17 days late from holiday. He once again reunited with his Al-Ittihad teammates at training earlier this week ahead of a Saudi Pro League fixture against Al Tai. The club hierarchy including Gallardo was reportedly irked by Benzema’s behaviour.

“Benzema arrived Thursday evening, 17 days late. He should have returned on January 2. We couldn’t reach him for 10 days. The club management and the coach are furious with what happened. There will be a meeting with the club board to explain what happened and discuss his future,” a source close to the matter told the Sun.

Benzema was spotted training with the injured players at Al-Ittihad’s training facilities on Tuesday. He wanted to practice with the first-team footballers but Gallardo might have a different plan in his mind. He asked Benzema to train alone and the order did not go down well with Benzema, who angrily stormed out of the pitch, according to a report by Marca.

The former Real Madrid man was subsequently axed from the squad that featured in the Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Tai on Wednesday. Despite missing the service of their regular captain, Al-Ittihad picked up a dominant 3-0 victory in the away fixture, with Hamdallah, Faisel Al-Ghamdi and Romarino striking for the visitors.

Benzema drew curtains on his long, successful spell with Real Madrid last summer to join Al-Ittihad on a deal worth £86 million per year. Back then, the 36-year-old said, “It now feels the time is right for a new challenge and project. I am looking forward to joining my new teammates and, together with them, helping take this amazing club and the game in Saudi Arabia to new levels.”

His relationship with the club has deteriorated in recent times. Benzema was reportedly exploring a return to Europe, with Manchester United and Chelsea interested in a loan deal. The Premier League club, however, later stepped back due to Benzema’s hefty wage structure.