Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has insisted the Blancos squad do not have a problem with head coach Jose Mourinho amid ongoing rumours that the Portuguese has lost the team’s backing.
Marca reported last week that several players – led by club captains Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos – had threatened to leave the club if Mourinho was to stay beyond next summer, a rumour fiercely denied by Florentino Perez.
And on Tuesday, Casillas’ girlfriend, Sara Carbonero, stated that the former Inter boss no longer communicates with his squad.
Nevertheless, Benzema has stressed that the players are still fully behind the controversial coach, in a brief but firm statement.
“We do not have a bad relationship with the coach,” the France international stated at a press conference.
The former Olympique Lyonnais star then went on to praise team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona star Lionel Messi, while stressing that Antonio Adan has what it takes to deputise for the injured Iker Casillas during his absence.
“Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are two amazing players. However, for us, Ronaldo is the better of the two,” he added.
“Adan is a great goalkeeper as well and I am sure that he will be up for the task.”
Madrid lock horns with Barcelona in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey, and Benzema is eagerly anticipating Wednesday’s first leg.
“I think that the Clasico is the biggest game in the world. Barcelona are a good team, but we will give our all to win the match.”