Nuno Espirito Santo responds to claims he has a bad relationship with Karim Benzema

A Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo has responded to reports claiming he has a bad relationship with Karim Benzema.

Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat clamed there were growing tension between Santo and Benzema, who joined the club from Real Madrid earlier this summer.

It had been claimed that the Portuguese boss told the Al Ittihad board that Benzema does not fit his tactical style and he did not request the transfer.

Per the report, the Frenchman also wanted the captaincy, which was denied by the former Wolves and Tottenham coach.

Benzema played down the feud with Santo as he reposted a clip of him smiling whilst with the club on social media.

Santo has now responded to the bombshell reports as he denied having a bad relationship with the 2022 Ballon d'Or winner.

"I read in the press that my relationship with Karim Benzema was not good, everyone who knows me knows that, of course it's absurd," he told RMC Sport.

"My relationship with all the players is good, we have a strong group, we are happy with all the players, we are happy that Karim is here with us."

Karim Benzema in action for Al Ittihad. Image: Getty

On Benzema, he added: "He is happy on the pitch, you can see, he loves playing for Al-Ittihad. I understand what's going on... but we are a strong band, a very, very, very, very strong band."

The 49-year-old dismissing a rift with Benzema came after the superstar forward bagged his first Saudi Pro League goal on Thursday.

He opened the scoring in Al Ittihad's 4-0 win at Al Riyadh. He also could have netted a second goal when his side were awarded a penalty. However, he passed up the spot-kick opportunity in a classy gesture.

Al Ittihad resume their league campaign next Monday when they face Al Wehda.