Well, apart from increasing popularity, competition is very important both for the club and perhaps for Bemzema who has a big name. As for Benzema's performance, he never showed his best game, it is very natural because the style of the coaching system that previously handled Al Ittihad was not ideal for Karim Benzema's typical game. apart from that, Nuno Santo tends to prefer counterattacking rather than playing offensively in crucial matches. It is normal for Al Ittihad to experience problems if they only rely on Karim Benzema, Fabinho and Ngolo Kante. while other players are not as reliable. most importantly, players who are able to support Benzema in the attack line. like Al Nassr, in the first season Al Nassr was mediocre. however, this season, Ronaldo is supported by players who are truly competent in their respective positions. whether it's wing, midfielder and pivot.
Regardless of what you say, I just read the news. Chelsea, Arsenal absent from Karim Benzema race and it looks like Benzema will stay in Saudi Pro League. the thing is, it looks like neither Arsenal nor Chelsea have any way of getting past the massive £2m-a-week wages and TEAMtalk can confirm that they won't be able to bring Benzema to Stanford Bridge this season. likewise with Arsenal, TEAMtalk has been told that Arsenal will not sign Benzema and leave the competition early after having conversations with Benzema's agent. Meanwhile Lyon, tried their best to try and sign Benzema this month but it was very difficult to achieve or make it happen. well, Benzema's future is currently uncertain. So, ideally Benzema will stay with AL Ittihad and the club must improve its team with several newcomers who can help Benzema on the front lines.
New signings and putting the team in a dilemma of evicting and retaining one out of two options. When the situation happened with Ronaldo, it was said that it's cos of his influence, money and capacity. Now it's Benzema's turn, what will be said. For me I'd blame Saudi league because the teams are trying all their possible best to be recognized. Al Nassr before Ronaldo joined weren't heard about. All of a sudden, they're talked about occasionally.
It's rumoured that the league wants to secure a spot in the UEFA champions league and they shouldn't be blamed for doing all it takes to make meaning.They'd rather do away with those that doesn't really matter and retain those that actually do matter. It's kind of life's lifestyle. No doubt every team there, if in that situation will do the same as Al Nassr had done or even worse. It's all for a purpose. I don't know but likely in the coming months, we should expect to see more of these occurrences.