Benzema’s Shadow Looms as Conceicao Takes the Helm at Al-Ittihad
8 October 2025
Conceicao's Tough Start
As Al-Ittihad fans await a new era under Portuguese manager Sergio Conceicao, a familiar specter haunts the dugout: Karim Benzema. The French star, who arrived in Jeddah amid global buzz in the summer of 2023, has become not only the team's focal point but a name tied to internal clashes that toppled several coaches.
Today Conceicao's challenge isn't only to revive former glory; it's to break the Benzema curse that felled three coaches in succession.
The club announced the appointment on a Wednesday, with Conceicao set to replace Laurent Blanc, who was dismissed after a slump in results.
Conceicao arrives with a large coaching staff of six assistants and analysts, and a long-term contract through 2028, signaling the club's desire for stability after a string of changes.
The story also revisits past coaches. Nuno Espirito Santo, dismissed in November 2023 despite previous trophies, reportedly clashed with Benzema in the locker room after a defeat in the AFC Champions League, leading to a strained relationship and exit.
Next came Marcelo Girardo, who attempted to impose discipline from day one but soon clashed with Benzema. When Benzema was late returning from winter break, Girardo sent him to solo training in Jeddah and later stripped him of the captaincy. The move was explained as a bid to restore order but fueled fresh tensions and ultimately his dismissal in May 2024.
The Ligue of French leadership continued with Laurent Blanc, though Blanc, a compatriot of Benzema, did not escape the curse either. Although Blanc had helped the club win league and cup titles, respect in the locker room slipped, and the club publicly denied Benzema had pressured the decision to fire him.
The new coach arrives with a long-term deal through 2028 and a complete technical staff. The leadership says they want to build a sustainable project after a season that tested every level of the club.
The real battle is not merely returning the team to trophies but restoring discipline inside the locker room, where Benzema has been the focal point for years.
Conceicao starts his mission knowing the stakes are high: turn Benzema from a perceived obstacle into a true on-field leader who helps the team reclaim its status in the Saudi Pro League.
In the end, the question remains: can Conceicao break Benzema's curse and lead Al-Ittihad to lasting stability, or will the French star’s shadow continue to loom over every coaching decision?
Punchline time: Benzema is so good the scoreboard needs a walking stick after he leaves it breathless.
Punchline time two: If Benzema is the nightmare, Conceicao’s plan is to bring a dream team, a big playbook, and a very loud whistle.
