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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<ul><li>Gallardo leaves Al-Ittihad </li><li>Saudi side say he made "unacceptable mistakes"</li><li>Wanted key star Benzema out</li></ul><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script>

'Unacceptable!' - Al-Ittihad confirm Marcelo Gallardo's exit after coach 'requested the removal' of Karim Benzema

The Argentine<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/karim-benzema-n-golo-kante-al-ittihad-marcelo-gallardo-nuno-espirito-santo-julen-lopetegui-u-turn/blt0bb9530743fb0129" target="_blank"> took up the role</a> last November but could only guide his side to fifth place in the Saudi Pro League. Rumours of the former River Plate manager's sacking have <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/al-ittihad-set-to-pay-out-historic-settlement-fire-coach-marcelo-gallardo-miserable-season/bltbebd63fcd1705974#csb40cb3924281fec6" target="_blank">gone on for weeks now</a> and Al-Ittihad have now confirmed he has departed; with the hunt for his successor underway.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The club's president, Louay Nazer, said, via Fabrizio Romano: "Gallardo made significant mistakes by requesting the removal of Benzema, which is unacceptable. He is an essential part of Saudi Arabia's and the club's project. We have 2/3 options for new manager."<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🟡⚫️ Al Ittihad president Nazer confirms Marcelo Gallardo’s exit: “Gallardo made significant mistakes by requesting the removal of Benzema, which is unacceptable”. “He is an essential part of Saudi Arabia's and the club's project”. ❗️ “We have 2/3 options for new manager”. <a href="https://t.co/iK8wozhvkM">pic.twitter.com/iK8wozhvkM</a>— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1803805683575337157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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WHAT AL-ITTIHAD SAID

Gallardo's predecessor Nuno Espirito Santo led the Jeddah outfit to the league title last year but the 48-year-old fell well below those standards. He also had a <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/karim-benzema-feud-al-ittihad-left-out-saudi-afc-champions-league-squad-marcelo-gallardo/blt5040f769772e7eab" target="_blank">falling out with marquee signing Benzema</a> and it seems Al-Ittihad would rather keep hold of the French striker, rather than retain Gallardo.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gallardo, who is reportedly set to receive an historic <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/al-ittihad-set-to-pay-out-historic-settlement-fire-coach-marcelo-gallardo-miserable-season/bltbebd63fcd1705974#csb40cb3924281fec6" target="_blank">€30 million (£25m/$32m) severance package</a> from Al-Ittihad, may look for a new job as the Saudi side try to find someone to replace him ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

WHAT NEXT?

'Unacceptable!' - Al-Ittihad confirm coach Marcel Gallardo will leave after 'requesting the removal' of Karim Benzema | Goal.com English Kuwait

Al-Ittihad have sacked manager Marcel Gallardo due to making &quot;significant mistakes&quot; such as requesting the &quot;removal&quot; of Karim Benzema.