In statements that sparked widespread controversy in Saudi sports circles, Fahad Sindi, chairman of Al-Ittihad Club, revealed the behind-the-scenes details of French star Karim Benzema's departure from the club and his move to arch-rivals Al-Hilal during the last winter transfer window. These statements put an end to the speculation surrounding the high-profile transfer that rocked the Saudi Professional League.

In a candid interview on the club's official account, Sindi confirmed that the management had not initially sought to part ways with the veteran striker, stating, "We weren't planning for Benzema to leave, but when we learned he was inevitably going to depart, some of our strategic plans for the team changed." He explained that handling the situation required considerable administrative flexibility to ensure the club's best interests were paramount.

The president of the federation added, explaining the economic aspect of the deal: “It was a suitable decision in the interest of Al-Ittihad Club, frankly,” stressing that the club achieved a definite financial benefit from the player’s departure and his not continuing on the roster, which allows the administration more space in the budget to strengthen the team’s ranks with other deals that are in line with the future technical vision, and to reduce the financial burdens resulting from huge salaries.

This event comes amidst major transformations in the Saudi Professional League, where direct transfers between top clubs (Al-Ittihad and Al-Hilal) are rare occurrences with significant competitive and fan implications. The transfer of a player of Karim Benzema's stature, a Ballon d'Or winner, is evidence of the ongoing activity and the desire to reshape the technical landscape of teams competing for domestic and continental titles.

It is worth noting that Karim Benzema joined Al-Hilal on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Al-Ittihad, with all financial and contractual details finalized last winter. Analysts believe this move will intensify the rivalry in the Saudi "Clásico," as Benzema will face his former team wearing the "Leader" jersey, adding extra excitement to the upcoming matches and reflecting the advanced professionalism that the Saudi league has reached.

A source close to Portuguese coach Armando Evangelista, the technical director of the first football team at Damac Club, revealed the truth about the news circulating recently regarding his dismissal from his position and thanking him for his service due to the decline in the team's results in the recent period.

The truth about Evangelista's departure from Damac

In exclusive statements to Al-Midan Al-Riyadi, the source categorically denied reports of the coach's departure, confirming that the club's management has not informed Evangelista of any decision regarding terminating his contract or thanking him for his service. The source clarified that the Portuguese coach is continuing his duties as normal and overseeing the team's training sessions in preparation for upcoming matches, emphasizing that the contractual relationship remains valid and unchanged to this point.

Behind the scenes of the Portuguese coach's anger

Despite denials of his dismissal, tensions are palpable within the club. Reports indicate that Armando Evangelista is furious for several technical and administrative reasons. Chief among these is his dissatisfaction with his lack of involvement in the transfer dealings during the last winter transfer window. He was excluded from selecting some of the club's signings, a situation the coach sees as hindering the implementation of his tactical philosophy, particularly given the team's recent poor results.

Roshan League challenges and Damac's position

Damac FC faces significant challenges this season in the Saudi Professional League, given the fierce competition and the noticeable rise in the technical level of all Saudi clubs following their acquisition of international players. Fans and management are placing considerable pressure on the coaching staff to improve the team's position in the standings, with the upcoming matches considered a crucial turning point for the future of the coaching staff.

The upcoming match is of paramount importance as Al-Faisaly prepares to face Al-Taawoun in the 22nd round of the Saudi Professional League. The match is scheduled for Thursday evening, and Evangelista and his team will be aiming for a positive result to alleviate pressure and restore confidence among the players and fans.

Technical stability in the Saudi League

This news comes amidst a general trend of frequent coaching changes in the Saudi league, where clubs are constantly striving to quickly improve their standings to ensure they remain in safe positions or compete for top spots. Coaching stability is a crucial factor in the success of any sporting project, a fact well understood by the Damac management, who are proceeding cautiously with crucial decisions, awaiting the results of upcoming rounds that could shape the team's future in the tournament.

Italian Simone Inzaghi, the head coach of Al-Hilal's first football team, expressed his complete satisfaction and great praise for the level shown by the young player Murad Hawsawi, in his first appearance as a key player in the "Leader" squad, during the strong match that brought the team together with its counterpart Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai of the UAE.

These statements came after the end of the match that brought the two teams together as part of the seventh round of the AFC Champions League, which was hosted by Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Stadium, where the match ended in a draw, with the two teams sharing the points of the encounter in a crucial stage of the group stage of the most prestigious continental tournament.

Inzaghi's statements about Murad Hawsawi

Inzaghi spoke clearly during the press conference that followed the match, highlighting the confidence he had placed in the player, saying: "Murad Hawsawi's performance was excellent. This is his first match as a starter and he performed exceptionally well. Today's match was not easy at all, yet the player showed a strong character and delivered a very good performance.".

The Italian coach added, speaking about the course of the match: "We sought to win and secure the three points in the match, but we faced a good and organized team, led by a good coach for Shabab Al Ahli, which made the task very competitive.".

The importance of introducing new faces into the Asian arena

The inclusion of Murad Hawsawi in such highly competitive matches is part of Al-Hilal's coaching staff's strategy to rotate players and create depth in the starting lineup. The AFC Champions League is a true test of players' abilities, demanding high levels of mental focus and physical fitness, especially when playing away from home against experienced clubs like Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai.

Hawsawi’s success in his first test reflects the confidence of the technical staff, led by Inzaghi, in the young and substitute players, which is vital for Al-Hilal, which usually competes on all local and continental fronts, thus requiring the readiness of all members of the squad to face the pressure of successive matches.

The context of the competition and Al-Hilal's continental history

This match gains its importance from being in the later stages (round seven) of the tournament, as Al-Hilal always strives to reaffirm its dominance in Asia. Al-Hilal boasts a rich history in Asian competitions, being the most decorated club in the tournament's history, which always places added responsibility on any player who wears the blue jersey, whether a global star or a rising star like Murad Hawsawi.

A draw against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai in the UAE is considered a mathematically acceptable result given the strength of the opponent. However, the real gain that Al-Hilal came out of, according to the analysts’ view and the coach’s statements, is gaining a new element capable of taking responsibility in big matches, which enhances the team’s defensive and tactical options in the upcoming knockout stages.