By Tom Gott
Karim Benzema has blamed his four-month goal drought on his Al Ittihad teammates, insisting they are not providing him the same support he profited from at Real Madrid.
The Frenchman bagged 19 goals in 24 games for Madrid last season before heading to Saudi Arabia, where be found the back of the net nine times in his first 13 league games for Al Ittihad.
However, since scoring in a 4-2 win over Al Khaleej on November 30, Benzema has endured a tough time. Reports of unrest in Saudi Arabia were widespread in January but were shot down by the striker himself, while on the pitch, he is still waiting for his first goal in 2024.
Action with Walid asked Benzema why he had not hit the heights managed in Madrid, Benzema pointed the finger at those around him.
"It's because it's not the same game, it's not the same players, I need to be helped," he said. "I need help on the pitch. I can't win the game alone. I need a lot of things."
Alleged unhappiness in Saudi Arabia, which Benzema himself previously denied, led to significant reports of a potential return to Europe, with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and former employers Madrid all tipped to move for the 36-year-old.
While he closed the door to an exit in January, Benzema reignited the speculation with a cryptic statement about his future.
"Everyday there is news about my transfer, but I am here and we will see what happens in the future," he said.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Karim Benzema aims brutal dig at Al Ittihad teammates over goal drought.
