Al-Ittihad boss Nuno Espirito Santo has commented on rumours suggesting a potential fallout between the Portuguese and Karim Benzema.
According to recent reports, Benzema was said to be in a tense relationship with Santo over a number of decisions that went against the Frenchman.
A reported dispute over the captain’s armband along with the team’s playing style sparked controversy just weeks after Benzema’s arrival in Jeddah.
However, Santo was quick to shut down these rumours after Al-Ittihad’s recent 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh in the Saudi Pro League’s third round.
Benzema finally opened his scoring account in the competition and gave Al-Ittihad the lead as Abderrazak Hamdalla’s double along with Saleh Al-Amri’s late goal sealed a vital win for the Tigers.
“I’ve read somewhere that my relationship with Benzema is tense but anyone who knows me personally would understand that this is complete nonsense,” Santo said in the press conference after the game.
“You are the press and I am the manager. I have no control over the misinformation presented in the media.
“We have a strong group of players and I am happy to have all of them with us, especially Karim, who is also happy to be with us and play for Al-Ittihad.
“I don’t know who the captain will be in the next game, and I also don’t know who will be in the starting lineup and who will be on the bench.
“When I make a decision, you will find out who the new captain is,” he added.