At nearly 38 years old, Karim Benzema continues his career with Al-Ittihad, yet his connection to Real Madrid remains as strong as ever. The former striker, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 and boasts five Champions League titles, has been a pivotal figure in one of the club’s most dominant eras. In a recent interview with L’Équipe, Benzema shared his insights on the current state of his former team, offering a perspective that is neither that of an outsider nor a disgruntled ex-player. Instead, he speaks with the authority of someone who understands the immense expectations tied to the white jersey.
Benzema refrains from criticizing the talent within the squad. He acknowledges that the roster is filled with some of the world’s best players, but he points out a significant issue: a lack of cohesion. “We are talking about players who are among the top ten in the world, and they are all on the same team,” he noted. However, he emphasizes that simply having star players does not guarantee success; rather, it requires a collective effort where everyone accepts their role within the team dynamics.
A Call for Clarity in Roles
His analysis extends to specific players, particularly Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé. Benzema asserts that Bellingham must embrace his role as a playmaker rather than a goal scorer. “Mbappé is the finisher, not the playmaker,” he explained. “Vinícius is not a defensive midfielder; he’s a left winger.” This seemingly straightforward breakdown highlights deeper issues regarding player roles and responsibilities within Madrid’s tactical framework.
Leadership Concerns and Team Dynamics
On leadership within the squad, Benzema expressed concerns about how it has evolved. He underscored the importance of having key players step up during critical moments—those decisive matches that can define seasons. “The club brought in Mbappé to make an impact when it matters most,” he stated, stressing that leadership isn’t just about scoring goals but also about contributing to collective success. “It’s not about doing it alone; it’s about doing it together,” he emphasized.
Benzema also dismissed the notion that solutions lie solely with coaching staff like Xabi Alonso, suggesting that real change must come from within the locker room. He lamented a growing disconnect among players, stating, “Today, players don’t talk to each other as they used to.” This observation points to a modern football landscape where criticism can be harder to accept and communication often falters—a reality particularly poignant at Real Madrid, where managing egos has always been crucial.
The former captain reminisced about what made past successful teams thrive: clear roles, accepted hierarchies, seamless communication, and an environment where players felt comfortable voicing their thoughts for improvement. These elements remain vital for Madrid as they seek to transform potential into tangible success on the pitch.
Comments
0 comments
Sign in to comment