Carlo Ancelotti said Karim Benzema Excited and motivated to prove yourself with Real Madrid after an injury-prone start to the season, culminating in his early dismissal following France’s World Cup campaign.
Benzema had a thigh injury 3 days ago France was due to play their first game in Qatar, prompting coach Didier Deschamps to withdraw him from the team – a decision later criticized as soon by the representative of the Ballon d’Or . winner.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
“I will not participate in the decision that France has made,” Madrid coach Ancelotti said in a press conference on Thursday, when asked about Deschamps’ unwillingness to wait for Benzema’s fitness.
“They have assessed Karim’s situation at the moment. For them, he will not be able to play again at the World Cup and they have let him go.
“For us, the player came back with a lot of excitement and a lot of motivation. He knows that he didn’t do what he wanted in the first part of the season. In the second part, I believe he did. he will do well and help us a lot.”
A series of hamstring problems mean Benzema has started just seven of Real Madrid’s 14 matches before the World Cup – scoring five – but he is expected to feature when the team returns to LaLiga competition on Sunday. away. Real Valladolid on Friday.
“Karim came back on December 10 from his holiday,” Ancelotti added. “When he came back, he was fine, he started working with the team. He played 30 minutes in our first friendly and 45 minutes in the second. Gradually, he came back. better… He didn’t play much in the first half of the season and now he’s going to show his full potential.”
Ancelotti said Madrid – who earlier this month moved to finalize a deal for teenage Brazilian striker Endrick who will arrive in 2024 when he turns 18 – have no plans to add to their squad in January .
“Sure, [the window] “We don’t need players, the team is already well put together. As for the departure, it depends on the mindset of the players, especially those who play less, if they have a chance with them. a team where they can play more. But the guests come? No.”
