Fahad Sindi refuses to resign from Al-Ittihad and reveals the secrets behind Benzema's departure
In a move aimed at putting an end to the circulating rumors, Fahad Sindi, president of Al-Ittihad Club, addressed a direct and explicit message to the club's vast fan base, effectively refuting reports of his potential resignation. Sindi chose the club's official account as the platform to address the fans, affirming his commitment to remaining in his position and leading the club through the upcoming period, emphasizing that the current challenges only strengthen his resolve to work.
The Dean... A history of challenges and public pressure
Sindi's remarks come at a time of heightened tension in the Saudi sports scene, a phenomenon not unfamiliar to Al-Ittihad, the oldest and most prestigious club in Saudi Arabia. The club's fans consistently demand nothing less than gold, placing any board under constant scrutiny. This pressure is a natural part of the club's identity, given its massive and influential fan base, which accepts nothing less than championship titles.
The truth about administrative disputes and the change in the technical staff
Speaking about the "hot topics," Sindi explained that what is happening is a natural consequence of Al-Ittihad being a championship-winning team, where even minor incidents are blown out of proportion and become matters of public concern. The president denied any fundamental disagreements or divisions within the board, describing the situation as merely a "difference of opinion" that ultimately benefits the club. He addressed the difficult decision to change the coaching staff, noting that the summer training camp was not ideal, according to reports from the sports management, which necessitated immediate intervention and a vote to bring in Portuguese coach Conceição, a move aimed at correcting the team's performance.
Behind the scenes of the transfer window and the departure of Benzema and Kante
Sindi dropped a bombshell regarding the behind-the-scenes dealings in the transfer market, specifically concerning French star Karim Benzema. He confirmed that Benzema's departure was not part of the management's plans, which had aimed to bring in a young striker (under 21) to play alongside him, in addition to strengthening the defense for the Asian Champions League. He explained that Benzema's inevitable exit forced the management to completely change their strategy at the last minute, which also resulted in the departure of star player N'Golo Kanté as one of the unplanned consequences of this radical change. This forced the club to engage in marathon negotiations in the final hours of the transfer window to compensate for these significant losses.
Administrative stability and the team's future
Sindi concluded by emphasizing the administration's policy of "containment" with the players and the coach, noting Coach Conceição's strictness regarding discipline and punctuality, which can sometimes lead to friction, a natural aspect of professional football. These statements underscore the administration's desire to establish technical and administrative stability, a crucial factor for competing in the Saudi Professional League, a league experiencing tremendous development and fierce competition that demands meticulous institutional work and transparency with the fans.
