Sunday, August 22, 2010

Jose wake-up call for Benzema

Jose wake-up call for Benzema

Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho has reportedly warned French striker Karim Benzema to change his lazy attitude.

Spanish sports daily Marca claimed on Sunday that the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager was overheard berating the 22-year-old in training earlier this week.

Mourinho allegedly told Benzema in front of his team-mates: "If it was just for you I would make training at midday because you arrive at 10 o'clock half asleep and then by 11 you are already sleeping again."

According to the Spanish newspaper, Mourinho also hit out at Benzema during a press conference on Real's pre-season warm-up tour.

Listless

"Benzema must understand that he is extremely talented but that in itself is not enough," said Mourinho.

"I need Karim. For me he is a very important player but he has to put himself out there. We need a striker who is sparky not one that is listless."

Benzema, who was overlooked for France's World Cup squad this summer, has insisted he wants to make an impact at the Bernabeu and score "lots of goals".

He endured a disappointing debut season at Real following his move from French giants Lyon last summer, scoring only nine goals.

"People see me as a big player," said Benzema. "When I played with Lyon I scored a lot but last year it just wasn't me out there on the pitch."

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