At a glance
- In an interview on Instagram, Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema compared Paris Saint-Germain and his former club.
- He suggested that while Luis Enrique is the start of the show at the Parc des Princes, there is a battle of egos in the Bernabeu.
- Reigning Champions League holders PSG play as a team, whereas at Madrid it’s “more complicated”.
Real Madrid legend Karim Benzema appeared to suggest that Alvaro Arbeloa‘s current squad at his former club don’t play as a team – especially when compared to reigning kings of Europe, Paris Saint-Germain.
While PSG are through to the Champions League semifinals against Madrid’s captors Bayern Munich, Los Blancos are looking down the barrel of a second consecutive season lacking major silverware.
Speaking to rapper Rahff on an Instagram live session, Benzema noted that at PSG, “the good thing is that when the starters play, the team works, it plays well… But then the coach makes a change in the 60th or 70th minute, and those who come on contribute even more than those who started the game”.
“And, in theory, they are the substitutes. Everyone knows what they have to do and what they have to contribute. The starter knows it and so does the substitute. And the one on the bench doesn’t get angry,” Benzema added, in a nod to past strops from the likes of Vinicius Jr. – especially in October’s 2-1 El Clasico win over FC Barcelona.
Things aren’t the same at Real Madrid
Benzema referenced his former employers more directly by continuing and saying: “At Madrid it’s more complicated because they don’t play as much as a team … PSG isn’t a team of stars, except for Ousmane Dembélé, the Ballon d’Or winner. But they press, defend, attack, run.”
Benzema further pointed out that the best known figure at PSG is head coach Luis Enrique. “But it’s a real team. Whoever you put up front, they all work together, and the substitutes perform the same. That’s why they’re so good,” the Saudi Pro League star offered.
Although this could ruffle feathers internally with the likes of former teammate Vinicius and compatriot Kylian Mbappe, it’s unlikely that Madridistas will be put out by Benzema’s remarks.
Collective effort and teamwork is something lacking against teams like Bayern and Barca, and Mbappe has admitted he defends less than others. Though he later became the main star, Benzema was more than happy to put his ego to the side and work for Cristiano Ronaldo, which led to four UCL titles together in the 2010s.
The culture at Valdebebas needs to change, if Madrid are to return to the top in Spain and Europe.
