Karim Benzema has experienced a resurgence of form at Real Madrid after a challenging start to the season, earning praise and speculation about a contract extension with the club. In an interview with Marca, Benzema reflected on his journey, acknowledging the demanding nature of the Santiago Bernabeu crowd and his determination to overcome adversity.
“At the beginning, it was complicated. I knew that the public at Santiago Bernabeu were very demanding, always expecting the most from me. I always hope to have a great match, that’s normal. Maybe they were expecting even more. I knew I couldn’t give up, so I kept working, telling myself: I have to fight,” Benzema stated regarding his relationship with the Madrid fans.
Despite facing criticism and scrutiny, Benzema remained resilient, crediting his mental strength and the support of his teammates, coach Carlo Ancelotti, and assistant Zinedine Zidane for helping him stay focused and motivated.
“Mentally it was hard. But I am mentally strong, I was well surrounded. I had the support of the entire locker room, of Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane who always takes care of me. When I heard the whistles from Santiago Bernabeu, it touched me but I didn’t want it to affect my game, I ignored it,” Benzema revealed.
Looking ahead, Benzema sees the 2014 World Cup as a crucial milestone, with potential interest from other European clubs, including Juventus Turin. However, his immediate focus remains on continuing his impressive form with Real Madrid and contributing to the team’s success.
