Real Madrid trainer Rafa Benitez has said that he is not worried by star striker Karim Benzema’s comments following his substitution labelling the 27-year-old forward as a “phenomenon”.
This comes after the French international spoke with Spanish newspaper AS following his being substituted for the fifth time in six games during the 1-1 derby draw with Atletico Madrid last weekend.
“It’s true I’m fed up of being taken off. I’m calm and will continue to work so I’m not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons,” he said.
Former Napoli and Liverpool boss Benitez is however not worried by Benzema’s comments saying he understands how the striker must feel.
“Benzema’s words don’t bother me. I love Karim, he’s a phenomenon,” he told COPE.
“I’d also be angry if I’m on a scoring streak and the manager decides to take me off.”
Benzema has scored seven goals in eight appearances thus far this season.
