After the departure of Nuno Espirito Santo, Karim Benzema could have an old acquaintance in Ligue 1 as coach.
Former Wolverhampton coach Julen Lopetegui has refused to join Al-Ittihad. The Saudi club lobbied to recruit the former Real Madrid coach, but he turned them down. He remains hopeful of finding a new position in England. The prospect of coaching Karim Benzema once again did not excite him.
A new coach for Benzema
Al-Ittihad therefore had to turn to other coaches. The Hansi Flick route had been explored, but now another coach is being targeted. The Argentinian Marcelo Gallardo is in their crosshairs.
Fabrizio Romano, the famous transfer specialist, announced that “Marcelo Gallardo will sign a contract until June 2025 as the new manager of Al Ittihad. It will also include an 18-month extension option, until June 2027.”
Gallardo was recently cited as a potential OM coach. The Marseille management had thought of him before betting on Marcelino last summer. There was no agreement due to the technician’s high demands.