Spain’s Ramón Blanes, sporting director of the al-itthad of Jeddah, has put an end to rumours about the future of Frenchman Karim Benzema, the star of the team, but has increased uncertainty about the fate of Argentine coach Marcelo Giardo.
Much speculation has been raised about the elements of the al-itthad, after the team’s disastrous season, which saw it lose all six of its tournaments.
“We work together and communicate frequently in individual meetings and conversations, and this creates daily positive interactions between all players, and we all focus on a common goal: the success of the team.”
He added: “Benzema is an exceptional player with great experience and a major and influential part of our team, a deal that included him was a major target for the development of Saudi football, and he is also an ambassador for the project, I would like to emphasize that everyone in the Federation is focused, and they have a positive attitude to achieve the goals of the club.”
Press reports claimed that Benzema was close to leaving the Brigadier’s Castle, after failing in his first season with the team.
By asking about Jayardo, after reports indicating stability on his dismissal, he replied: “What I can say is that we are carefully studying all aspects of the team from all angles, and decisions will be made based on considerations that ultimately serve the interests of the club.”
