Karim Benzema has criticized his Al-Ittihad teammates for not providing enough support during his recent three-month goal drought.
The ex-Real Madrid forward became the marquee signing for the Saudi Pro League side last summer, moving from the Spanish giants on a free transfer.
Karim Benzema: Frustrated with team support at Al-Ittihad
Despite signing a three-year deal with the club, the Frenchman has found it challenging to replicate the success he enjoyed in his final years at Madrid.
However, the former Ballon d’Or recipient attributes his struggles to the quality of his teammates, which also includes french compatriot and former Chelsea midfielder N’golo Kante, suggesting that they hinder his ability to achieve the same level of success.
The 36-year-old emphasizes the need for more support from his teammates on the field, asserting that he cannot be expected to single-handedly secure victories.
When asked about reasons for his lack of goals since December, Benzema said,”It’s because it’s not the same game, it’s not the same players, I need to be helped,” highlighting the difference in quality between his current club and his former one.
”I need help on the pitch. I can’t win the game alone. I need a lot of things,” he added, as per All Football.
Karim Benzema: Discontent and training omissions at Al-Ittihad
His remarks came shortly after rumors surfaced claiming he was discontented in Saudi Arabia and had a disagreement with Al-Ittihad manager Marcelo Gallardo.
Reports suggested that Benzema was omitted from one of their starting XI training sessions after returning from his holiday 17 days late last month.
According to a source, attempts to contact him were futile for 10 days while he vacationed in Mauritius, purportedly due to a cyclone.
This incident led to Benzema missing out on traveling with his teammates to their mid-season training camp in Dubai.
Consequently, Benzema was left out of the squad for their Saudi Pro League match against Al-Tai and was also absent from the squad for their Asian Champions League journey to Navbahor Namangan in Uzbekistan.
However, Benzema has refuted claims of his dissatisfaction in Saudi Arabia and stated that he has no issues with Gallardo.
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