Karim Benzema admits he is “fed up” of regularly being substituted by Rafael Benitez despite his flying start to the season for Real Madrid.
The France striker, who was linked with Arsenal during the transfer window, has scored six goals in six La Liga games for Benitez’s side.
Benzema was on target again in Sunday evening’s Madrid derby, scoring the opener before Luciano Vietto secured a late point for Atletico.
The goalscorer was withdrawn again by Benitez, as he has been in all but one of Real’s league matches so far this season. Benzema admits he is becoming frustrated by the situation.
He told AS: "Substitutions are what the coach decides, I’m just there to help my team-mates."
"It’s true I’m fed up of being taken off. I’m calm and will continue to work so I’m not always substituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons."
"It’s true that the electronic board always shows the No.9. Ask Benitez why that is."
Benzema’s concerns were put to Benitez after the derby draw.
The coach said: " Benzema did well, but I substituted him because we needed to freshen things up on the wing."
"With Gareth Bale’s speed we were able to play between different areas of the pitch and with Cristiano Ronaldo up forward we kept up our attacks."
"We balanced the team and maintained our attacking punch."