Saudi Gazette report
JEDDAH — Karim Benzema has referred to as on Al Ittihad to breed their championship-winning kind because the Jeddah giants put together to launch their Saudi Professional League title protection away to Al Okhdood on Saturday.
The French striker, who captained Al Ittihad to a league and King’s Cup double final season, enters the brand new marketing campaign with each confidence and warning.
Benzema scored twice in Could’s cup closing in opposition to Al Qadsiah to seal the double, ending the 12 months with 25 objectives throughout all competitions and being named the 2024–25 RSL Participant of the Season.
Reflecting on final 12 months’s achievements, Benzema mentioned: “I’m very joyful lastly to have gained the league and the cup, which have been crucial. For me a very powerful factor is collective trophies.
To win a person award is due to all my teammates and the followers. I mentioned earlier than: a method or one other, I used to be going to win in Saudi Arabia. We gained trophies all collectively. I’m somebody who doesn’t quit till I obtain my objectives.”
The previous Ballon d’Or winner praised Al Ittihad’s loyal fan base, describing them because the “twelfth man” who pushed the workforce to glory.
“We’re fortunate to have one of the best supporters in Saudi. Whether or not at dwelling or away, they’re there. They sing, they push us ahead. There’s an actual reference to the supporters, and we thank them for the trophies by giving all the things on the pitch,” he added.
Nonetheless, Benzema acknowledged that retaining the double will likely be much more tough this season, with rivals Al Nassr, Al Hilal, and Al Ahli all strengthening considerably.
Al Ittihad can even should steadiness their home marketing campaign with a return to the AFC Champions League Elite, the place metropolis rivals Al Ahli are the defending champions.
“You simply have to have a look at what we did final 12 months, take all the things we did – all of the moments that helped us win – and obtain much more this 12 months,” Benzema mentioned.
“As a result of the opponents will likely be harder. Groups have strengthened. Now, each workforce desires to beat Al Ittihad. We’d like confidence and ambition. We’ll combat till the top and we’ll do all the things to win extra trophies, that are a very powerful factor in soccer. And above all, to deliver pleasure to everybody.”
Benzema, who joined from Actual Madrid in 2023 because the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, continues to consider within the trajectory of Saudi soccer.
“The extent of soccer in Saudi is rising yearly. There are excellent Saudi gamers, and I feel with onerous work, and with the arrival of European gamers and coaches, Saudi soccer can rise even increased,” he mentioned.
