Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has expressed his frustration at being substituted regularly by new manager Rafa Benitez, following last night’s draw against Atletico Madrid.
The Frenchman had scored the opener for Los Blancos before Benitez substituted him — for the fifth time in six games. Luciano Vietto equalized to earn a point for hard working Atleti, but the pressure seems to be growing on the Spanish manager. Nevertheless, Benitez is yet to lose a match since taking over the reigns from Carlo Ancelotti, who was sacked after a trophy-less last season.
Benzema refused to criticize his manager, although he did hint at the uneasiness towards the defensive attitude of the former Liverpool FC manager.
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The electronic board always shows the No.9 — Karim Benzema
The Frenchman was heavily linked with a move to the English Premier League side Arsenal FC in the summer, and after admitting his frustration, it won’t be long before the media rekindles rumours of a move to North London.
Benzema is La Liga’s leading goal-scorer with six goals under his belt. Speaking in an interview with AS, as quoted by Goal, Benzema said:
“Substitutions are what the coach decides, I’m just there to help my team-mates
“It’s true I’m fed up of being taken off. I’m calm and will continue to work so I’m not always subtituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons.
“It’s true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is.”
