Gressy Benzema, brother of Al-Ittihad’s star striker Karim Benzema, expressed discontent over his sibling’s positioning in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al Hilal.
Venting his frustrations, Gressy criticized the decision to deploy Karim on the left wing, deeming it nonsensical and disrespectful to the essence of football.
Karim Benzema brother displeased with Al-Ittihad
“You play Karim on the left now? This is a crime! It makes no sense. Football needs to be respected”, he said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Since his high-profile move to the Saudi Pro League side last summer, Benzema has encountered significant challenges.
After securing a lucrative three-year contract with Al-Ittihad, the Frenchman has struggled to replicate the success he enjoyed during his tenure at Real Madrid.
His frustrations stem from what he perceives as a lack of quality and support from his teammates, which has hindered his performance on the pitch.
The Super Cup final further exacerbated Al-Ittihad’s deficiencies, as they succumbed to a crushing 4-1 defeat against Al Hilal.
While rumors circulated about tensions between Karim Benzema and manager Marcelo Gallardo, the forward refuted such claims in an earlier interview.
Benzema’s future at Al-Ittihad
However, the match presented an opportunity for Benzema to silence critics and dispel exit rumors, yet his brother’s public criticism of the tactical approach reignited speculation about his future at the club.
Benzema’s underwhelming performance has been a significant disappointment for reigning champions Al-Ittihad.
Amidst rumors of his failure to report back for training after the winter break, discussions about his potential departure intensify as the summer transfer window looms.
Reports of his absence from training sessions and a mid-season tour of Dubai have fueled speculation about his commitment to the club and his future in Saudi football.
In a January incident reported by Marca, Benzema allegedly went absent without leave, failing to attend training sessions and missing a scheduled tour with the team.
This episode followed earlier rumors of his unauthorized trip to Madrid, which were promptly dismissed by Al-Ittihad, citing personal reasons for his absence and affirming his professionalism and dedication to the team.
The disappointing outcome of the Super Cup final, coupled with internal strife and external scrutiny, paints a challenging picture for Benzema and Al-Ittihad.
Karim Benzema has made 28 appearances for the Saudi Arabian side, scoring 13 goals and providing 8 assists in all competitions.
As tensions rise and uncertainties loom, the club faces the daunting task of addressing the underlying issues while navigating the pressures of professional football in Saudi Arabia.
Unsavory Scenes In Saudi Super Cup Final
In an unfortunate turn of events during the Super Cup Final, striker Abderrazak Hamdallah found himself targeted by an angry fan despite scoring the equalizer to make it 1-1 in the 21st minute.
As Hamdallah left the field, attempting to calm the shouting supporter by splashing water from his bottle, the situation quickly escalated.
The enraged fan brandished a whip and began striking Hamdallah, prompting his teammates to swiftly intervene and remove him from harm’s way.
The Saudi Super Cup Final witnessed an unsettling incident as an Al-Ittihad supporter, overcome with distress over his team’s defeat, resorted to physical aggression towards one of the players, highlighting the intensity of emotions in football.
