Karim Benzema Dismisses Solari Rumor with Sharp Retort
Karim Benzema recently addressed rumors about his alleged demand for Santiago Solari to join Al-Ittihad as their new coach. This speculation arose following the dismissal of Laurent Blanc after Al-Ittihad’s defeat against Al-Nassr.
Current Coaching Situation at Al-Ittihad
Al-Ittihad is actively seeking a new head coach following Blanc’s exit. Laurent Blanc’s tenure ended after a disappointing match against their rivals, Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo is a key player. As of now, Hassan Khalifa is filling in as the interim coach.
Potential Candidates
- Sergio Conceiçao: Formerly coached FC Nantes, Porto, and AC Milan, he is a leading contender for the role.
- Santiago Solari: The current football director at Real Madrid has also been mentioned as a candidate.
Benzema Responds to Rumors
The rumor that Benzema urged the club to recruit Solari originated from a claim made by Iraqi journalist Omar Qahtan. Benzema publicly dismissed these assertions with a sharp retort on social media, stating, “Maybe in your dreams,” while using laughing emojis to emphasize his disbelief.
Benzema and Solari’s Relationship
Despite his dismissal of the rumors, Benzema has previously shown support for Solari during his time as coach at Real Madrid. In 2019, when Solari faced pressure to be replaced, Benzema defended him, stating, “Why change? Let him stay with us, and we will win all the matches.”
As Al-Ittihad looks to the future, they strive to find a coach who can lead them to success in the Saudi Pro League.
