Benitez responds after Benzema outburst

Rafael Benitez has only been in charge of Real Madrid for a matter of months, but already the knives are being sharpened.

Keylor Navas produced a fine save from Antoine Griezmann’s first-half penalty, but the Costa Rican worldwide could do little when Vietto bundled the ball home from close range in the 84th minute to concede only his second goal of the season.

Benzema gave an interview to AS on Monday in the wake of being substituted for the fifth time in six starts during the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the weekend, revealing his disappointment with his manager’s decision.

They are, however, ahead of title rivals Barcelona on goal difference. “Nobody needs to explain to me what is wanted from Madrid”, he continued.

“We’ve played Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Villarreal both away. With the quality that Madrid have, one has to demand more: risk-taking, attack, nobility and attractive football”.

Arsenal have been put on high alert after learning Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has grown frustrated at continually being substituted by manager Rafa Benitez, The Independent reports.

“It’s true I’m fed up of being taken off”, he told AS.

“I will take Benzema off again if it is needed”, Benitez said on Cadena Ser. “He is a phenomenon”.

Spanish paper Marca were also less than impressed with Benitez following Real’s draw at the Vicente Calderon.

Benitez has played down rumours of a rift between him and Benzema, but according to Fichajes the Frenchman could soon depart the Bernabeu, with north London his most likely destination.

“I won’t substitute him”, he said.

“There are less troubles than what I read”.

“Do you believe I told the team to sit that deeply?”