Nuno Espirito Santo’s tenure as the manager of Al-Ittihad came to an abrupt end after a heated dressing room altercation with star player Karim Benzema.
The Portuguese manager was sacked following disappointing results in the Saudi Pro League and the Asian Champions League.
Nuno, who had led the team to a Saudi Pro League victory last season, found himself in hot water after a loss to Al-Shabab and a subsequent defeat to Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya in the AFC Champions League.
Reports emerged that Nuno and Benzema clashed in the dressing room after the defeat to Al-Quwa.
According to sources, Nuno criticized Benzema for his lack of effort, telling the Real Madrid icon that he appeared “too lazy” to put pressure on his rival.
Benzema, in turn, defended himself, asserting that Nuno should address the entire team instead of singling him out.
Nuno continued by emphasizing Benzema’s role as a leader and urging him to set an example for the rest of the players.
Despite the disagreement, Benzema reportedly denied the accusation of laziness.
The day after the incident, Nuno was promptly relieved of his duties as the manager of Al-Ittihad.
Rumors have since linked another former Wolves boss, Julen Lopetegui, with the vacant managerial position.