Karim Benzema has gotten himself into trouble at Al-Ittihad. The 36-year-old Frenchman reportedly did not show up at the club on Friday, resulting in him being left out of the squad for a trip to Dubai.
According to the reports, coach Marcelo Gallardo of Al-Ittihad is taking a firm stance regarding team discipline and professionalism.
This has become particularly evident in the case of Karim Benzema, the high-profile signing from Real Madrid last summer. Despite Benzema's illustrious career and accolades, including winning the Ballon d'Or, Gallardo is not prepared to bend the rules for him. This decision comes in light of Benzema reportedly missing training sessions on three separate occasions, a matter that the coach seems to be taking seriously.
Benzema's tenure at Al-Ittihad, though marked by a notable signing period, has not been without its challenges. While he has managed to score nine goals in fifteen league matches, a commendable feat, his overall impact on the team's performance is under scrutiny. The recent match against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr, which ended in a 2-5 defeat on December 26, has notably intensified the focus on Benzema. His performance in that game attracted significant criticism from fans and media alike, reflecting in the adverse reactions he received.
The fallout from the match and the subsequent fan backlash seems to have affected Benzema personally. In an unusual move, possibly indicative of his state of mind, he chose to delete his Instagram profile, removing himself from a platform where he enjoyed a massive following and active engagement. This action could be interpreted as a response to the mounting pressure and criticism he faced following his team's performance.
Currently, Al-Ittihad's standing in the league adds to the complexity of the situation. Positioned at a disappointing seventh place, the team is far from where many would have expected, especially given the high-profile signings and the potential of the squad. This underperformance puts additional pressure on both the players and the coaching staff to turn the situation around.
In the broader context, Benzema's situation at Al-Ittihad raises questions about the challenges experienced by star players when transitioning to new leagues and teams, especially in the latter stages of their careers. The expectations placed on them are often immense, and their every move is scrutinized, both on and off the field.
For Al-Ittihad, managing a player of Benzema's caliber and reputation is a delicate balance between harnessing his undeniable talent and ensuring that team discipline and cohesion are maintained. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both Benzema and Al-Ittihad adapt to these challenges and whether they can turn their fortunes around to climb up the league standings.
