In the just-concluded Champions League match of this round, Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Manchester City at home after being reversed.
Karim Benzema, striker of Al Ittihad, gave an exclusive interview to Camel Live.
Besides the French national team, do you still follow European football?
Yes, I watch games often. The rhythm is very fast, extremely fast. The game has become very physically demanding and fast-paced. Players are all strong and well-prepared.
What do you think of Real Madrid, which is currently struggling?
What they lack is just chemistry. There’s a lack of understanding between Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Bellingham, and Rodrygo. Everyone must be clear about what they need to do on the pitch.
Bellingham needs to understand that he’s a playmaker, not a goalscorer. Mbappé is a goalscorer, not a playmaker. Vinícius isn’t a defensive midfielder; he’s a left winger.
As long as everyone knows their role on the pitch, there will be no problem. Because we’re talking about players ranked among the top 10 in the world, and they’re all on the same team.
How to solve this problem?
It’s difficult because each of them has their own personality and characteristics. Everyone wants to be the best, so the situation is a bit complicated… They all need to understand that in their respective positions, they can contribute, but it’s all for the team.
Is this Xabi Alonso’s responsibility?
No, the coach can do nothing. He has the squad list and selects the best players. After that, it’s up to the players themselves to perform… If your teammate is better than you, you have to accept it.
The problem is, what if you can’t accept that the player ahead of you scores more goals than you?
That’s why problems arise when there are five or six top players in the team. Everyone contributes. In the end, the goalscorer always gets more attention than others. But he always needs the others! You can’t do everything alone.
So, is this an ego issue? During your time at Real Madrid, you were strict with Vinícius and transformed him…
But now, Real Madrid no longer has that type of player. There are no more experienced players who can point out the problems of Bellingham, Mbappé, or Vinícius.
So the situation is complicated… In my opinion, the coach is basically saying the same thing, just in a different way. Because modern football… frankly, is very complex.
What do you mean?
Players don’t communicate with each other anymore. And it’s obvious. The current situation is: “I’ve done my job, I’ve scored my goal.”
That’s modern football.
Do you mean it’s getting harder and harder to criticize teammates now?
Criticism is always hard to accept. But in reality, it’s a form of progress. If you can accept criticism correctly, you will improve. It’s good for you and everyone else. But frankly, Real Madrid’s situation is complicated; there are too many top players.
Does Real Madrid need to adjust its squad?
No, but the players really need to talk, and most importantly, be honest with each other. Some players like to chat; they just need to communicate with one another. Communication means: “Okay, listen, let’s watch the game together, and that’s it.”
What do you think of Mbappé’s level?
He scores a lot of goals and will continue to do so, just like he did at Paris Saint-Germain. But for Mbappé, the most important thing is that Real Madrid signed him hoping he can win games for the team in crucial moments, and he has the ability to do that.
That’s the pressure he needs to take on, and that’s why he needs to take that small step to become the offensive leader. Because he has to lead Real Madrid to win trophies.
Remember, he’s not alone; he has to work with his teammates. That’s the team spirit I mentioned earlier.
When you say “crucial moments,” we assume you’re not referring to scoring two or three goals against Elche, but advancing in the Champions League…
(He interrupted me.) Wait a minute! Scoring a brace or even a hat-trick against Elche isn’t easy. Don’t think it’s easy to play against Elche.
It’s like in Saudi Arabia: score three goals, and people say “it’s just a Saudi Arabian league game”… No, that’s not the case.
There are defenders and goalkeepers. I’m talking about the kind of games the team must win. The feeling is so intense! That’s why they signed him. He has the ability, and I hope he succeeds.
