Benzema: "Higuain has no intention of signing for PSG"

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is convinced that Gonzalo Higuain will continue to share the dressing room with him next season at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Karim Benzema

International media has been talking in recent weeks about the future of Higuain. Have you been told if he will sign for PSG?
He is with the Argentinian national team and I hope he stays. Gonzalo has no intention of signing for PSG nor for any other team. Now he has finished the season, has to rest because is a very important player for us.

Tomorrow at Euro you debut against England. What are your expectations?
We face the Euro 2012 in the best possible shape. These are times of change for us. The team is fine. The goal is to reach the final and win it, that would be a dream, but first we must pass the group stage.

Much is expected of you ...
I have no pressure. Everyone waits for me, but I am part of a great team. I have confidence in myself, more than in 2008 when I arrived and was surrounded by great team players who had achieved great things.

Do you look like the star of France?
I am just a football player, the other things are what the media talks about when there is no football.

Is the game against England going to be decisive?
The target is to move to the quarterfinals. We do not put any more pressure to finish in the first position of the group. It would be a mistake. England is a good team, but I fear no one in particular. I like Gerrard. I love his approach to the game. Against England we will have to take the spaces, move the ball quickly and not fall into their game, which will be a lot of contact and struggle.

How is the environment within the French national team?
We get along very well. We will spend a month living together, so we must enjoy it.

Benzema: "I would like to play with Messi and Cristiano"

Karim Benzema reviewed the entire season, both the collective and individual, in an interview with RMC. Gone are to Karim adjustment problems, "Everything is going well now, we have won the league and we are all proud of this team. It is true that at first was a bit tricky because it was the first time I separated from my family. When I got home and saw me alone was not easy but with patience and work everything went better. I always had intended to play on this team and today I am happy".

Karim Benzema

Apart from his work, Zidane and Mou are key as explains the player: "Zidane's help was important for me. He is the best player of all time in France and spoke with me. And Mourinho always told me what he wanted from me. He trusts me and we talked a lot". Benzema admits that his instinct in the area has improved and that it has been also important: "When you are a Real Madrid striker you have to score. It is true that I am now more effective and I always want to score. With Mou all is very well.

About Ronaldo, Karim notes that: "It is easier to play with great players like him", while does not hide another of his challenges: "I always dream of winning the Ballon d'Or and of course it is possible. I hope to be on the good road". Benzema's other dreams are with Real Madrid and France: "The Champions League and the Euro are always another challenges. We have a great national team, but we can not say that we will win the Euro. I have many targets, but always work knowing that in football there are ups and downs".

Karim also highlights the Bernabeu stadium and the fans, which this year have supported him in every moment: "It is awesome. I do not know how to explain, is extraordinary to play in a full field". The Frenchman feels integrated into the locker room: "Apart from Lass and Varane because they are French, I get along also with others. Ozil, Ramos, the Portugueses, all". About Varane, Karim bets strong: "He is very strong, young, and you can see how improves in training. He has things very clear".

And the striker has only good words to Mourinho, especially with his way of motivating: "For me he is number one. I had great coaches, but for me is the best". Following his best year in Madrid, Benzema thinks only keep winning in white and maybe retiring after play for Real Madrid: "Why not finish my career here? I do not know if I will be as many years as Raul. We will see".

Finally, responding to the survey prepared by the journalists, there was an interesting answer to the eternal question, Messi or Cristiano: "I can not choose because they are different, I would like to play with both".

Karim Benzema: "It is my time"

Karim Benzema after scoring his first goal against Sevilla

An assist and a double against Sevilla. The Spanish League is coming. Was it worth get up early on Sunday?
Of course. I am super happy but, as I always say on these occasions, the most important has been the collective victory. Against Sevilla I had good chances and I was able to score twice. After the Champions League match was essential for us to win again and we did well. We knew we had to focus back in the league. I think all the team members have played the match against Sevilla as was expected.

Was it hard to forget the elimination against Bayern Munich?
These things happen. We reached the semi-final with high hopes and we were close to reach the final. But we learned and thought that we had to win the league what helped us overcome the disappointment. It is now very close and we must be happy about it because, from early in the season, the League was our priority. On Wednesday and Thursday night we were all sad and dejected by the elimination, but we forgot this sadness.

Twenty league goals, thirty-one in total. Clearly, this is his best season in Madrid.
Of course it is my time. I score goals, give assists and have no physical problems that have stopped me. I am happy. I am happy and I feel good.

And part of the League is yours, right?
Mine and of all other players in the squad. This season it is true that I played more than the preceding two and I am happy about that.

It is time for a little resume. What has been your best memory of this season?
Are many. First, the victory in the Nou Camp in the last Classic, but my return to Lyon with Real Madrid's shirt and some good matches in the Champions League are in my mind.

And the worst?
The more recent the last Wednesday in the Champions League because we worked very hard to reach the final of this competition and we could not.

How do you feel physically ahead of the European Championship with France?
I am in optimum condition for the big tournament. After the end of the League I will have a few days off before going to France for Euro. But it's not yet time to think about it, but to win the League with Real Madrid.

Real Madrid continues to break records

Real Madrid has added dizzying numbers with three games remaining of the season. With the three goals scored against Sevilla, white team has 112 goals (Spanish League) and threatens to make forget that record of 107 goals by Toshack's team (already beaten). Furthermore, adds 165 goals in all competitions, which also exceeds the 158 goals of the season 59-60, the best scoring season of the Real Madrid until now.

Critsiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Higain

Certainly, there is to lay the blame on Cristiano Ronaldo who has scored 57 goals in total and 43 only in the league. The Portuguese is shattering his own record set last year and put two goals in advantage to Messi in the fight for the top scorer. Although we must not forget Benzema and Higuain on the offensive side.

The trident formed by the the Portuguese, the French and the Argentinian, has managed 84 goals of the 112 of the team. Cristiano is the top scorer with 43 ​​goals, while Higuain has scored 21 and Benzema 20. This is the first time you can see three players on the same team in the top scorers table in the Spanish League with 20 or more goals.

Finally, if Real Madrid gets the nine points of the three matches remaining in the league, could break the record of 99 points that holds the FC Barcelona. Until now leads the table with 91 and it could be the first time in the Spanish League that a team gets a hundred points or more. A new record. Another one.

Karim Benzema: More than a forward

Three goals in five official games is a figure more than respectable. They are the numbers of Karim Benzema in this early season, but Karim is much more. French is a complete striker, a player who occupies the whole front of attack and is not limited to the goal area. His capacity to associate with peers is available in very few strikers in Europe and Mourinho knows how to exploit it.

Karim Benzema

Benzema is capable of playing in both wings - Alves went crazy when Karim played in the left wing in the second leg of the Spanish Super Cup - and offering different resources to Real's attack. Against Dinamo Zagreb completed 22 passes correctly, only one less than Mesut Özil and same as Cristiano Ronaldo, the star of the white offensive. He did not score because he found the crossbar in the first half but was one of the best.

Few strikers can boast of not scoring at a match and be the best player of the team. Also occurred in Zaragoza, so it's no coincidence. The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium now enjoys a Benzema devoted to the cause, a tireless campaigner and the first "defender". He defends as the most and is the one to initiate defensive work to steal the ball to the opponent team. And Mourinho likes.

We do not discover anything if we say that Benzema is one of the spoiled child in the club. In the management area at the Bernabeu are reaping the benefits betting on him. They knew when they signed him that they did not sign a player for a year or two. Karim has finished exploding and the managers are delighted with his performance, because it was exactly what was expected of him. "Now he understands football as I understand it", Mourinho said. When Karim understands something, understands it beautifully.

Squad: Karim Benzema (9)

Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema was born in Lyon, France on 19 December 1987 to a working class family originally from northern Algeria; roots that defined his mature yet simple character. The early days of his life as a footballer began at the age of 9 with Olympique Lyonnais, a club he had never left until signing for Real Madrid. He was one of the youth system’s most outstanding players and scored 38 goals in one season with the Under-16 side followed by the UEFA European Under-17 title with France in 2004. He debuted with Lyon’s first team on 15 January 2005 against Metz. Although he did not score, he did provide an assist to Bryan Bergougnoux, who scored the winning goal. Despite the fact that Benzema had been crowned champion of Europe, club staff didn’t want to rush the player’s development and only played him in six matches that season. He did however go on to score 12 goals in 14 matches with France’s Under-18 side.

The following year he played in 13 matches, scored one goal and made his Champions League debut against Rosenborg. He played in 21 matches and scored five goals in 2006/07, but Benzema really exploded onto the scene in 2007/08. Lyon won the Ligue 1 title for the seventh straight year as well as the Coupe de France. It was also the year he debuted with the French national team. On 28 March 2007 Benzema suited up for Les Bleus against Austria and scored his first international goal. The major thorn in his side was the 2008 Euro after France fell in the opening round. This season was especially bittersweet for the striker. His coach kept him on a relatively tight leash, allowing Benzema to score just 17 goals in 36 matches. Despite being eliminated by Barcelona in the Last 16 of the Champions League, Benzema did manage to score five goals in Europe’s top competition.

Benzema’s football is based on tremendous strength, his wicked moves, unlimited ball skills and a superb strike. The Madridista striker is intelligent and dominates every facet of what his position demands. He is an animal inside the box when his team needs him and he is the perfect man to initiate a counter-attack when his teammates feel pressured.

Data

• Place of Birth: Lyon, France
• Date of Birth: 19/12/1987
• Position: Forward
• Weight: 83.5 kg
• Height: 184.1 cm
• Nationality: French

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• Ligue 1: 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08
• Coupe de France: 2008
• Trophée de Champions: 2005, 2006, 2007

Benzema: "I hope to stay here for many years"

Benzemas scored two goals against Hertha Berlin

Double against Hertha and you look better...
Yes, teammates passed me many balls. I scored two goals. Everything went well. I'm very happy with the start of the preseason. I'm working very hard.

What did you make this summer to get better?

Work hard. I feel better about my body, with much more confidence.

Do you feel starter?
I work for that. Inside my head is to be one of the best strikers but we are in preseason. I feel great and I'm fighting to become Real Madrid's starting striker.

What does Mourinho talk to you?
It's a great coach for me. He always tells me to work, not stop.

And Zidane?
It's special to me to have Zidane so close because he helps me. He speaks my language and gives me confidence.

Spanish Super Cup approaches. Is it necessary to strike first to Barcelona?
We have to take things slowly and not think about the Spanish Super Cup just yet. We must only focus on our next preseason match. I don't know if this is the best squad in Real Madrid history, but we're a very good team and we hope to fight for all titles.

Were you at some point outside the club?

I have not seen myself outside of Real Madrid. The coach and the club have faith in me and that's very important to me. I will always work hard in order to play. I hope to stay here for many years.

Wenger will offer 30 million euro for Benzema

Arsenal wants to gain the services of Karim Benzema. The English side is willing to pay 30 million euros for the Real Madrid striker, if Nasri and Cesc leave Arsenal. Arsene Wenger is trying to convince the Arsenal directors to make an economic effort by the French player.

Karim Benzema

It would be the most expensive signing in the history of the club, but the template would be seriously devalued with the probable transfer of Cesc to Barcelona, and Nasri to Manchester City. The French coach is convinced that the arrival of Benzema would be a dramatic effect on both the locker room and for the fans, who already have six years without celebrating a title. Besides, Karim's arrival would help Wenger to overcome the criticism he has received in recent months.

Real Madrid '9' is an old aspiration of Arsenal coach, who already tried to sign when he played for the Olympique Lyon. At that time, Florentino Perez was ahead of all clubs and went to the player's home to close his engagement. Also, Arsenal needs a striker because his reference striker, the Dutchman Van Persie, could only play 25 games of the Premiership (18 goals) due to injury.

Benzema has been reaffirmed this year as a reliable option in the Madrid attack. In his first season in white (He cost 35 million euros) only managed nine goals, but has been with the arrival of Mourinho when he has shown his potential. The Frenchman has played a great second round, getting to finish the season with 26 goals.

Benzema: Fined by driving recklessly in Ibiza

Karim Benzema, Real Madrid striker, was fined on Wednesday early morning by Ibiza police for reckless driving after discovering that he and two friends were making races through the center of the city. As reported by an internet portal, the French player paid the fine of 250 euros in cash.

Benzema's blue Porsche at Ibiza

Benzema, at the wheel of a blue Porsche, was intercepted by agents in the popular area of '​​Vara de Rey' after that was activated an emergency device by the police, shortly before one o'clock, knowing that three cars were doing races and performing dangerous stunts on the streets closest to the port of Ibiza. In addition to his Porsche, in racing were involved two other luxury cars, a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.

Benzema is on the island of Ibiza to enjoy his holidays with a group of friends. According to the media, was not the only incident that occurred during the night for similar reasons and with Benzema as the protagonist. Several people reported that about ten o'clock at night, the same vehicles were seen at high speed through the area of ​​'8 de Agosto' Avenue, and other sources said that at half past eleven one of these vehicles was involved in an accident with minimal damage at 'Marina Botafoch' Street. The Benzema's Porsche was seen doing donuts in 'Vara de Rey' before his car and his friends were intercepted by police units.

Interview: Karim Benzema

Karim Benzema only thinks about succeed in Real Madrid. He feels he has played very well in the second leg of the season and nobody will stop him. He is convinced that in his boots is to triumph at Real Madrid and please Mourinho.

Karim Benzema

"I scored 30 goals this season with Real Madrid and France, so I think it was a good year. I started to play a lot more beginning in January, and I knew good things would happen once I grew more confident. I feel good playing for Real Madrid. I love the fans, the people and the stadium. I will be there for many years to come".

"We scored 102 goals this season, which is a lot for a team they say is defense-oriented. Real Madrid has what it takes to win the treble. Ending the 18-year drought without winning the "Copa del Rey" was good for us, but we want more. This club must win everything. It’s what you learn and feel from the moment you sign on. Personally speaking, I think I still have room for improvement. I think you will see an even better me next season because I feel good physically and mentally".

"Mourinho loves to win, and so do I. He has helped me grow as a footballer and a person. He expects a lot from me, but he has helped me improve. I now know what I want from myself and I know I can give it to him. I must prove that I can play for this team. I know it will be hard to earn a spot, but it all depends on me".

"The new signings are all very good. They will help us a lot next season. Sahin was the best player in the Bundesliga, and all the best players want to play for Real. Agüero also have the quality to play in Madrid (smiles)".

"Cristiano’s 41 league goals will be very hard to match. I am very happy for him. He is an excellent player who doesn’t only score a lot, but helps others score, too. We understand each other well".

"I think I have a shot at next season’s Ballon d’Or. I play for the best team in the world, we have the European Championship next summer and we have a super team. Looking back on my matches and goals this season, I think I can do it. Next season will be even better than this won. I want to win it all".

Link

Benzema will stay in Real Madrid

Karim Benzema started late in his second season in Real Madrid. He received criticism from his coach and some whistles from the Santiago Bernabéu fans because they demanded him more. But since January has earned the respect of teammates, the coaching staff and fans, who said goodbye him on Saturday for this year, with a standing ovation and admiration.

His end result was good: 26 goals in 48 games. 20 with the right foot, 4 left and 2 with the head. He is the second top scorer of the team behind Cristiano Ronaldo. In League he has played 33 games (20 starts) with 15 goals (11 at home and 4 away). In the Champions League, participated in 8 matches, with 6 goals (4 at home and 2 away) and played 7 Spanish Cup matches and made ​​5 goals (4 home, 1 away). This year, in addition to attack and score goals, he has learned back to defend, to play as a team, to make coverages... For all this and the projection he still has, Benzema has passed the final exam with high marks and will remain in the team next season.

Benzema celebrates his last goal against Almería 

Mourinho insisted on making him a top player and made ​​him work hard from day one. "Karim is intelligent and I hope he understands what has to do to play more. From the bench, the match is looked very well, the opponent's defensive moves, changes, aggressiveness... is aperfect place. He has been 90 minutes and sooner or later he will understand it" Mourinho said. Now the coach praises him in public but has not yet explained why the French was ignored in the four Classics (only played 56 minutes in the League match against Barcelona).

The public and private shots of the Portuguese coach and Higuain's injury made ​​him react. Mourinho has recovered the best version of the French player. Mourinho has been convinced in the past six months, but wants more and it has been communicated to the player. In addition, the trust that Laurent Blanc has given him in the French national team has helped Benzema to be a competitive player with hunger for goals. Now he goes on vacation. Milan, Inter, Juventus and Manchester would want to sign him. For Real Madrid he is not for sale.

Juventus, Benzema and Lass

Florentino Perez met Thursday in Madrid with the CEO of Juventus, Beppe Marotta. According to all the Italian media, the Juventus' target is to get the Benzema's signing or loan, the transfer of Lass and the assignment of Garay. They also asked about Arbeloa. According to Real Madrid, during lunch there was no talk of players. At the lunch also spoke the technical secretary of the Italian team, Fabio Paratici, whio featured reports on Chiellini, a tough and experienced international defender, 27 years old.

Florentino Perez

Juventus have made ​​a bad season. It is the seventh in the Italian League and is out of Europe. The gap with its historic rivals, AC Milan (Italian champion) and Inter has been getting bigger every season since "Moggigate", but other teams with less history than the Juventus, as Napoli, Udinese and Lazio have also passed them in recent years. This forces the Juve to recover the lost prestige in the field and in the courts. So the approach to Real Madrid and its players. The problem for the Turin team is that does not have much money.

However, the agent of Benzema, Karim Djaziri has played down the claims: "At the moment there is nothing and I think Benzema will stay at Real Madrid even next season because he is happy there. The rest is just talk", Djaziri told.

Then, there is the case of Lass. Sahin's arrival has unnerved Lass, which could leave Real Madrid this summer. The French midfielder met last Monday with his agent, John Williams, at the Mirasierra Suites hotel. The agent visited the white team to discuss the future of Lass at the request of the player. The midfielder fears that next season has still less prominence in the Mourinho's team. So he ordered his agent to talk to Real Madrid about his wishes to change at the end of this season.

Lass is a player with a good lineup in England and that is the destination that pleases him. In fact, last winter the midfielder already received an offer to return to the Premier, but Madrid closed its doors. Anyway, now Mourinho is not willing to keep him if he wants a change. The presence of Xabi and Khedira, the success of Pepe's presence in midfield and the arrival of Sahin, cause that Lass does not see a clear future in Madrid.

Benzema injured at the match France-Croatia

The alarm was raised last night in Paris. Karim Benzema, perhaps the fittest man of Real Madrid, retired injured on Tuesday friendly match that faced France and Croatia, which finished goalless. French striker requested the substitution as precaution. While he retired from the field, replaced by Gameiro in minute 74, he touched the back of his left thigh.

As soon as he arrived to the bench, this area was bandaged. In a first scan, French doctors had the impression that it could be a tear, not a rupture, which would be a injury estimate time from one week to 10 days. This Wednesday, after his arrival in Madrid, there will be more tests to determine the exact extent of his ailment.

Karim Benzema

If those first analysis are confirmed, Benzema would be out of the Champions League quarterfinal tie against Tottenham. He would lost the League match against Sporting Gijón, this day, and get very fair to play against Athletic Bilbao next week.

In other way, the player had no bad feelings after finishing the game, so even though it is possible that injury was more than a tear, everything can be a fright. However, it is difficult for the French striker, currently uncontested Mourinho's stiker, can play against Gijon at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The concern last night at Real Madrid's technical team was evident. Although it is not a major injury, the two matches against Tottenham in Champions League tournament will play in just one week and Karim is considered essential.

Benzema vs Villa: Other duel

The excellent goalscorer sequence of Karim Benzema, 10 goals in the final eight games of Real Madrid, has enabled the French to match the scorer record of David Villa. At this point, both added 21 goals in League, Spanish Cup and Champions League. Real Madrid striker has balanced a battle that, not so long ago, seemed almost decanted for the blue and red striker.

Karim Benzema

The gap between Benzema and Villa has gone in a few weeks. The French is, with Messi, the best scorer in the second round of the League (nine goals), while the last goal by Villa came in week 25 in Mallorca. Since then, four matches of League and one of the Champions League without a goal.

Interestingly, the comparison between the two attackers was fueled by José Mourinho. It was October 26, 2010, at the press conference before the visit of Real Madrid to Alicante, while he explained the inclusion in the list of Benzema: "He is called, but is not playing well. But there are teams that have players that also have a hard time and not score a goal against anyone".

Beyond the amounts paid by Madrid and Barcelona, 36 and 40 million euros respectively, the recipient of Mou's dart was evident. At that time, Villa totaled two goals in the League for only one of Benzema. However, the words seemed to spur “Guaje” Villa who, from that time, began to improve his numbers dramatically. In fact, now totals 17 goals in the League, with four doubles and shared the podium with the stratospheric top scorers Cristiano and Leo Messi. 

Benzema takeoff was delayed in time. In fact, after Gonzalo Higuain's injury, Mourinho insisted on signing a striker, considering that Karim did not offer sufficient guarantee for goals. And it was with the arrival of Emmanuel Adebayor when Benzema started to score goals more often. The day of Adebayor´s landing in Madrid, Benzema drew a jewel in the first semifinal macth against Sevilla and although 'Manu' seemed to take the lead with two goals, against Sevilla on the second leg and against Real Sociedad in League, Benzema had a chance and took it. Goal against Levante in a minor duel prior to the Champions League visit to Lyon. At Gerland, stadium that saw him become a footballer, reached the definitive turning point. Adebayor was supplied by Karim and in just a minute, he stole the ball and after a great slalom, made the 0-1. Florentino raised his hands to the head.

While in League Villa clearly wins the match by 17-10, Benzema exceeds "Guaje" in Champions 6-3 and Spanish Cup 5-1. The French has only played more minutes than Spanish in the KO tournament: 490-254. In the League the Barcelona player dominates 2305-1406 and in the European competition by 548-357. Which, at this stage of the season, made ​​Benzema a more effective striker: scores every 107 minutes and Villa needs 147.

Champions League (Last-16, 1st Leg): Benzema reactions

BENZEMA: "WE NEEDED THE GOAL"

Karim Benzema

"It was a very special game because it was my club and also for us was very important to score away from home", said Karim Benzema who scored the goal that advanced Real Madrid on the scoreboard and may be gold in the tie.

"I will work to score in every game. For us it was important score in Lyon and the resultis good. I hope the white fans will help us overcome this tie at the Bernabeu", he added.

It was, for French, emotionally intense crash: "In the field was all my family and I could make a goal. It was special".

Adebayor or Benzema: Mourinho decides

Real Madrid has 11 days and three crucial matches ahead: Espanyol (tomorrow), Levante (Saturday 19) and Lyon (Tuesday, 22 February). Mourinho who studies everything in detail, has a dilemma for the first: Adebayor or Benzema. The Portuguese explained the unexpected presence of Adebayor in the starting team in the last league match against Real Sociedad, for reasons of timing: "Karim played in Cup and Wednesday had a pressure game against Brazil where he played 90 minutes. We decided by Adebayor and he demonstrated why is here. We are happy with both. It's the perfect situation".

Adebayor and Benzema

Real Madrid coach now appreciates the consequences of fielding one or the other. The Frenchman has played a great match for his national team (88 minutes, goal) and Adebayor made very good feeling in front of the Real Sociedad (goal) . In addition, Emmanuel is in better condition because he takes training with the group in Valdebebas since last Wednesday, unlike Benzema who arrived on Thursday and only made recovery training. When everyone thinks that 6 has unseated Karim, Mourinho ponders a surprise again with Benzema. The Portuguese want to get him back to the war at a key moment of the season.

Mou is happy with his new 9, but thinks that if Benzema feels like alternate, he will be unmotivated. Zidane's report after the France-Brazil, adviser of the Portuguese in the locker room, has been very good and has to reflect on Mourinho. It keeps the dilemma and he does not displease Karim option.

On the other hand, when in England all spoke of the interest from Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Karim Benzema, yesterday a new club appeared; Tottenham, ready to get into the bidding for the French striker. Many British media said it yesterday. The Spurs, who have money, wanted to sign a striker this winter. They bid for Aguero, Llorente, Negredo and Rossi. None of them came and now the target is Benzema. Tottenham needs a striker and the London club's interest in Benzema is long. They have to wait until summer.

Kaká: "Benzema's success depends on him"

Kaka is very clear and, with the naturalness with which face any issue of debate, has said that the one who holds the key to success in Real Madrid is himself Benzema: "It depends on him. In practice we see that he is a great player, technically amazing, no doubt a very good footballer and very technical, but there are times in matches which he is a bit out of the game and leaves us feeling that he could do a little more, which is what expected of him".

Kaka talked about Benzema

What could have sounded like an intended message or could generate some controversy, at the mouth of the Brazilian sounds like the quiet reflection of a teammate that is trying to help. These words and other 'pearls' as "Barcelona is not invincible as was demonstrated by the Betis" or "I appear in the key months in which football will decide if we win something or not in a season where we cannot lose" or "after a long injury, you need people to help you and Mourinho is doing with me from day one and now I'm getting minutes slowly" or "I'm very self-critical and I know I'm not at my best level yet, but I hope to be as soon as possible"... were said during the presentation of his new boots because Adidas wanted to celebrate the return of Brazilian star with its new 'adiPure'.

Asked about the controversy created over the immediate future of Mourinho, Kaka does not mince words: "Coach told us 'I am your coach and we will give everything to win, then we'll see what happens at the end of the season'. And one thing is the contract and other how campaigns are gone. But if we did not win a title, does not mean he cannot follow as coach.”

And he did not avoid talking about the need for a '9' for the Real Madrid template: "I'm a player and I do my job. If we need a '9' or not is something that the coach and the club will discuss. If Van Nistelrooy came, OK. He helped a lot and I learned a lot from him as long as he was here".

Benzema, upset with the arrival of a striker

In England it is following with particular interest in everything that happens around the possible signing of a striker for Real Madrid, and even more so after last night, its general manager, Jorge Valdano, confirmed that the club will eventually go to a 'nine' during the winter window.

Benzema, upset with Real Madrid's board

The British press reported today that Karim Benzema is upset after learning the intentions of the club and is not willing to accept the arrival at Real Madrid for another striker, so the French would be weighing the option of leaving even transferred to another team to the final part of the season. In particular, the English Aston Villa, who leads his compatriot Gerard Houllier.

Gerard Houllier will sign Karim Benzema

Based on this information, Benzema is aware of his poor performance and discomfort in the stands with his play and the prospect of the arrival of a player that makes him competitive, willing to accept a loan deal to play for Houllier, former coach and mentor at Olympique Lyon and with whom he has a close friendship.

In adition, the Aston Villa hunts for a new striker after Houllier fight with John Carew and that has caused the Norwegian does not participate in the technical plans of the 'villains'.

Test to Benzema: Villarreal

Mourinho never mean anything, but always leaves something. Even on days like yesterday when he offered the mildest of their styles, he lamented without excess, praised Granero, resigned himself to the strengthening of Kaka and only one question left unanswered. There are doubts that offend.

The case of nine, still no news. Mourinho repeated today Benzema and surrounding attackers (assistants and friends): Cristiano, Özil and Di Maria. Although people does not know if he wants to supply resources or deplete excuses. Benzema added today the challenge to shine against a first-class team.

Karim Benzema

In any case, the bet is brave, especially against Villarreal, a team of strength and touch, ready to argue with the ball to Madrid. In that fight in the middle of the board will determine the outcome of the game. Also the head of Villarreal, too timid in its visits to the Bernabeu. Maybe Borja Valero will turn that. Trendy footballer (fashion, taste Del Bosque and Guardiola) and the Madrid youth product who left the club after playing only 47min with the first team.

If we look at the starting players, two coaches have players who missed. Higuain will see the game from Chicago and Pepe with the soleus on a cushion. Garrido, meanwhile, still cannot count on injured Nilmar, Senna and Marchena, so repeat the lineup that rallied from a 0-2 to Valencia on Thursday. A very similar pattern in the two teams. Ahead of the double pivot, also brings together four offensive players: Cani, Cazorla, Rossi and Ruben.

Kaka will take minutes in the second part again. Good news for Real Madrid, according to Mourinho said. Bad for Villarreal.