Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — As the new season of the Roshn Saudi League kicks off, Al Ittihad’s captain, Karim Benzema, has set the tone with a message of hope and determination.

Fresh off a challenging season, the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner is back with renewed focus, ready to lead his team to glory.

In an exclusive interview with the Saudi Pro League, Benzema, who returned for the 2024-25 season after a turbulent first year, expressed his confidence in Al Ittihad's revamped squad and their ambitions.

“This season we're all pulling in the same direction,” the former Real Madrid star declared. “We have just one objective: to do well and win trophies. In the end, there won’t be any complicated discussions. We all work together."

Reflecting on the significant changes at the club, including the arrival of high-profile talents like Moussa Diaby and Houssem Aouar, and the appointment of seasoned manager Laurent Blanc, Benzema was optimistic.

“In fact, we're in the best possible shape. Personally, I feel great. The players who have arrived are ones I know, ones I played with in the national team... It’s good for the Saudi Pro League. It’s good for the club. It shows that we want to win.”

Al Ittihad, who finished a disappointing fifth last season, has made bold moves to bounce back. Despite lifting the RSL title in 2022-23, the club struggled to maintain their form, leading to managerial changes and a sense of unfulfilled potential.

“I don’t like talking about last season, but it’s true that there were a lot of problems,” Benzema admitted.

“We weren’t focused enough on football. We have to use that – the few failures – to bounce back. The most important thing is to look straight ahead, without forgetting the past, and above all, to learn from our mistakes.”

Benzema’s relationship with Blanc, the newly appointed manager, is seen as crucial to Al Ittihad’s success this season.

“In Europe, Laurent Blanc is a well-known figure... He's someone who knows football, someone who’s very close to his players. He's someone you can talk to and exchange ideas with.”

As the team’s main figure, Benzema knows the pressure is on to deliver. But for the seasoned striker, pressure is simply another form of ambition. “I've had this pressure since I was eight years old... For this coming season, I'm not going to call it pressure, but more ambition. I want to turn that pressure into ambition, which is what enables me to be good, to help my team win.”

Benzema’s determination is sure to resonate with Al Ittihad’s passionate fan base. They are known for their unwavering support and high expectations, something the captain fully embraces.

“The relationship with the fans is very good... This season, they'll be proud of us.”