Al-Ittihad head coach Laurent Blanc reassures fans of Karim Benzema’s positive mindset ahead of their showdown with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League

In the lead-up to a much-anticipated Sea Derby against Jeddah rivals Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad manager Laurent Blanc has offered a reassuring message to fans: star striker Karim Benzema is not only thriving in the Saudi Pro League but is content both on and off the pitch. This crucial detail emerges as the team sits in second place in the league, intensifying the stakes ahead of Thursday’s matchup.

The derby, scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. at King Abdullah Sports City, has stirred excitement throughout Saudi Arabia, with Blanc and his team preparing for one of the season’s most significant encounters. “It will be a hard game because it’s a derby. But the game? I don’t know; I am not a magician,” Blanc remarked during pre-match discussions, hinting at the unpredictable nature of such contests. “We hope we have the ball because we want the ball in every game. Certainly, Al-Ahli will not agree with that,” he added, underscoring the fierce competition they’re expecting.

Blanc, who brings decades of experience as both a player and manager across France, Spain, Italy, and England, acknowledged the intense atmosphere typical of derby matches, a fervour he expects to be mirrored in Saudi Arabia. He shared that his team has been preparing meticulously to match Al-Ahli’s tactical and physical intensity, but believes mental toughness will be their most valuable asset. “The most important thing is preparing to be ready physically and, in my opinion, mentally. In a derby, if you’re not ready mentally, it is very difficult,” Blanc observed, a sentiment born of his experience in major derbies across Europe.

On Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, Blanc could not be more pleased. Since joining Al-Ittihad, Benzema has adapted seamlessly, according to his manager. Blanc confirmed that Benzema’s happiness extends beyond the football field, noting that the French striker has settled well into life in Saudi Arabia. “I think he is happy on the pitch and certainly off the pitch — this is very important for the player,” Blanc emphasised. Reflecting on Benzema’s consistent scoring ability across his illustrious career in Lyon, Real Madrid, and now Al-Ittihad, Blanc added, “He’s scored a lot, but this isn’t a surprise. Karim Benzema has played football for 20 years, more or less, and he scored a lot every year — 25, 27, 24 goals in a year.”

The Sea Derby is not the only significant fixture this week, as the league’s inaugural Derby Week unfolds with other top-tier clashes. On Friday, Al-Nassr, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, faces reigning champions Al-Hilal, where Neymar is set to appear in his No. 10 shirt at Al Awwal Park for the Capital Derby. The excitement continues Saturday with the Eastern Derby between Al-Ettifaq, managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Al-Qadsiah, who bolstered their squad this summer with Real Madrid hero Nacho.

The Saudi Pro League’s Derby Week reflects the league’s growing appeal and international reach. The high-profile players involved – from Benzema and Ronaldo to Neymar and Gerrard – lend a global allure to the competition, drawing not only local support but also worldwide attention. The upcoming matches signal a promising future for Saudi football, as fans witness some of the sport’s biggest names in action.

At King Abdullah Sports City, a sell-out crowd is anticipated, setting the stage for a thrilling Sea Derby that pits two of Jeddah’s most prominent teams against each other. With Al-Ittihad eager to secure the three points and Al-Ahli looking to shake up the standings, the match promises fierce tackles, tactical showdowns, and an electric atmosphere.

For Blanc, securing victory in this fixture isn’t just about points on the table but also a chance to further integrate his team’s recent additions. “We are preparing well, I am sure,” Blanc stated, alluding to Al-Ittihad’s preparations to counter Al-Ahli’s strategies. The coach acknowledged that Al-Ahli is “a good team with good players,” requiring his squad to be both physically and mentally prepared.

Benzema’s role in Al-Ittihad’s attack will undoubtedly be central to their game plan. The striker’s calm, experienced approach in high-pressure matches could be the edge Al-Ittihad needs in a derby. Blanc’s confidence in Benzema’s state of mind is a testament to the French star’s adaptation, despite the massive change in scenery from Europe to Saudi Arabia.

As the derby approaches, Blanc’s words strike a balance between the respect he holds for Al-Ahli’s abilities and the confidence he places in his team’s readiness. “The only way is to win the game, but for now, we don’t know the result,” he stated, capturing the uncertainty and thrill of derby football. Fans will undoubtedly be counting on Al-Ittihad’s veteran stars and Blanc’s strategic insights to carry the day.

With the Saudi Pro League’s Derby Week delivering intense action from city to city, the Sea Derby’s outcome remains anyone’s guess. Yet Blanc’s calm assurance suggests Al-Ittihad are prepared for the challenge. His positive update on Benzema only strengthens Al-Ittihad’s position as they strive to continue their strong league performance.

Thursday night’s Sea Derby is more than just another match; it’s a cultural and sporting event reflecting Saudi football’s rapid growth. The heightened focus on local derbies and international stars has injected new energy into the league, promising a spectacle for football fans both in Saudi Arabia and across the world.