Karim Benzema scored his first Saudi Pro League goal during Al-Ittihad’s 4-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Thursday, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo called media allegations that the two had a falling out as “nonsense.”
According to Saudi media, the Ballon d’Or winner Benzema was dissatisfied with how the Portuguese coach had handled him despite failing to score in their first two league games.
Additionally, there were rumors that the former Real Madrid captain did not suit the management of Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ style of play.
Nuno faced abuse from supporters on social media and in the Saudi media, and there were demands for his firing despite the fact that he had guided Al-Ittihad to their first league championship since 2009 during the previous campaign.
Nuno remarked during his post-game news conference, “This is nonsense,” via an interpreter.
“I get along well with all of the players. We have a terrific squad, and Benzema is a great addition,” he said.
“He seems to be content, and you can see that on the field. He likes to play for Al-Ittihad.
A dispute between Benzema and Abderrazak Hamdallah, the league’s leading scorer last season who scored twice on Thursday, including a penalty, was also denied by the player.
Benzema gave the ball to Hamdallah to take the penalty kick after the foul was called.
After winning their first three games, Al-Ittihad, who also added midfielders N’Golo Kante and Fabinho this summer, are in first place in the league.