Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema claims he spends more time on the bench than the pitch these days.
The French international has been overlooked in favour of Gonzalo Higuain this season, and in an interview published by L’Equipe he revealed the extent of his frustration.
“Sure I want to play more and I’ve spent more time on the bench than the pitch, but I’m going to fight to take advantage of the minutes they give me,” he maintained, whilst saying he still had the support of boss Jose Mourinho.
“He’s always behind me and never lets me give up. Even when things are going well he is always telling me I’m doing okay, including when things go very well. He does this so we can all maintain a very high level.”
Benzema admitted he had not made a very good start to the season by his own high standards.
“When I get playing time I try to do my best and score or give an assist, but I can never relax,” he said, while denying his form with Real Madrid is considerably better than when he represents the French national team.
“It’s true that I’ve scored less than I have with Madrid but I take part in much of the play and try to create space.
“I’m not worried about it because I make some decisive passes. If they wanted me to I wouldn’t give any assists, play solely in the area and score more goals.
“I could do that but it would be detrimental to the team,” he concluded.
