France’s Karim Benzema, the First Football al-itthad team forward, joined Saturday’s current camp in the Spanish city of Alicante in preparation for the new sporting season.
Benzema’s admission to the camp coincided with the arrival of his compatriot Laurent Blanc, the new head coach of the al-itthad team, who began the task with a meeting with players in the presence of Ramon Blanis, the sporting director, before inspecting the camp headquarters and stadiums that embrace the team’s training, according to press reports.
The camp was also joined by Brazilian duo Fabinho Tavares, Louise Felipe and Portuguese Jota.
The Quadripartite Benzema, Fabinho, Felipe and Jota joined their campmates a day after the mission’s arrival in Spain.
The al-itthad team launched its preparations in its external camp with fitness tests, which were preceded by the players’ medical examination.
The team prepares for the new season with a two-stage outdoor camp until next August 2, the first in the Spanish city of Alicante and the second in the Portuguese city of Al Jarf, during which they will play 4 test matches against Elche, Sevilla, Real Betis and Inter Milan of Italy.
The Federation announced on Saturday, 13 July, that it had contracted with French coach Laurent Blanc without disclosing the duration and details of the contract. However, identical press reports indicated that he had signed a two-year contract with the eligibility for a third year’s extension.
Benzema will work under Blanc for the second time in his professional career, having previously coached him in the French national team between 2010 and 2012, while enjoying a good relationship with him. According to press reports, the former Real Madrid star was a direct reason why he was contracted by the Tigers.
