Who to succeed Laurent Blanc and train Karim Benzema? Al-Ittihad launched his research to replace the former PSG coach, dismissed Saturday after the defeat against Al-Nassr by Cristiano Ronaldo (2-0), despite a promising start to the season (3 victories in 3 games). According to Fabrizio Romano, several big names circulate, but one of them has already refused the advances, complicating the mission of the Saudi club.
Xavi, Sergio Conceiçao and Luciano Spalletti were approached by the club to take the reins of the first team. But the journalist specifies that Xavi will not become the coach of Karim Benzema. The former Barça coach would not be tempted by this exotic adventure in Saudi Arabia.
Since his departure from the Catalan club, Xavi would have received numerous proposals, including Manchester United or Bayer Leverkusen, but none would have really convinced him for the moment. Marca underline that “Obviously, it is not the money that will dictate his career” And that the Spaniard prefers to wait for a carefully thought out project before committing.
A temporary duo
The media adds that contact with al-Ittihad took place, but without deepening. This refusal constitutes a blow for the club, who must now find a coach capable of managing an ambitious workforce, including Karim Benzema, Houssem Aouar, N'Golo Kanté or Fabinho.
In the meantime, Al-Ittihad has appointed an interim duo: the Saudi Hassan Khalifa, assistant of Blanc since July, will be supported by the Spaniard Ivan Carrasco, former trainer in Valencia and Barça. The question remains whole: who will finally take place on the bench to direct Benzema and his teammates?
