NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO and Karim Benzema were involved in a “blazing dressing room row” before the manager was sacked.
Al-Ittihad parted ways with the former Tottenham boss on Tuesday following just over a year in charge.
Nuno had won the Saudi Pro League last season but leaves with the club sixth in the table after Friday’s loss to Al-Shabab.
That defeat was then followed by an AFC Champions League defeat to Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya on Monday.
According to reports, Nuno and Benzema clashed in the dressing room following the loss to Al-Quwa.
The Frenchman joined Al-Ittihad in the summer, signing a deal worth a reported £1.6million-a-week.
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He has since scored six goals in 12 appearances but was targeted by Nuno after the match.
Nuno is said to have told the Real Madrid icon: “You are a great player, but it seems that you are too lazy to put pressure on your rival.”
This prompted Benzema to snap back by quipping: “Don’t just talk to me, talk to the whole group.”
The ex-Wolves boss then added: “You are the leader of the team, the example for the players and the most important athlete.
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“You must take the initiative and be an example for all the players.”
Benzema is understood to have continued to refute the claim he is “lazy”.
Meanwhile, Nuno parted ways with Al-Ittihad the following day.
Another former Wolves boss has since been strongly linked with replacing Nuno at the Saudi champions.
Julen Lopetegui is reportedly wanted by Al-Ittihad, having left Wolves back in August.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
