Laurent Blanc silenced all the criticism

After a complicated return to Europe for OL, Laurent Blanc decided to try the Saudi adventure this summer. The former PSG coach joined Al-Ittihad. A choice driven by the recommendations of Karim Benzema who advised his management to bet on the French coach rather than Stefano Pioli, although the club's priority. Laurent Blanc therefore arrived with the difficult task of succeeding where Nuno Esperito Santo and Marcelo Gallardo failed: managing a squad led by KB9 and competing with the Al-Hilal machine.

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When it came to managing the 2022 Ballon d'Or, Laurent Blanc did not have too much trouble since the two men have appreciated each other since 2012 when he was coach of the Blues. “He is known in Europe as well as in Qatar. In Saudi Arabia too. I really like his playing philosophy and I like that. It's a game based from behind and we build until we score. Everything was already settled. He knows football and the man is very close to the players, we can discuss and exchange ideas. The one who plays is as important as the one who doesn’t play, it’s good for us and me too”confided Karim Benzema this summer about him. But it was now necessary to convince on the ground and with results.

An almost perfect start to the season

After a very complicated start to the season saved by the exploits of Houssem Aouar (5 goals, 2 assists) and Karim Benzema (8 goals, 1 assist), Laurent Blanc had not escaped criticism. The latter was particularly singled out for the low level displayed by his team and his tactical choices considered incomprehensible. But after holding on, Laurent Blanc begins to silence the critics and reach into the supporters' pockets. The defeat in the Classic against Al-Hilal (a habit for more than a decade) was quickly forgiven. This Thursday evening, Al-Ittihad took on Al-Ahli in the derby. A victory (1-0) which brings Laurent Blanc into the history of the club.

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Currently second in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Ittihad had not won for more than 9 years against Al-Ahli. It's done and without Karim Benzema, injured. Laurent Blanc thus became the 7th coach in the entire history of Al-Ittihad to win against the rival. With 8 victories (1 defeat against Al-Hilal) in 9 league matches, the club has had one of the best starts to the season in its history. “The derby was the best match played by Al-Ittihad in the league this season. We could have had a lead of at least two goals in the first half, and in the second we fell back physically. We suffered from the absence of important players due to injuries, and our competitor also faced the same thing. We all know how important Karim Benzema is to the team. explained Laurent Blanc who is praised in the Saudi press this Friday morning. “Laurent Blanc in history” écrit Arriyadiyah while Goal Arabia underlines “a stunning tactical move” by mentioning the start of Saleh Al-Shehri, the only scorer of the match (he replaced Benzema with a back injury). Hoping for Laurent Blanc that his adventure continues on the same basis…