While completing a midseason training camp in Dubai with Al-Ittihad, Karim Benzema offered an in-depth interview in which he discussed the French national team, his present in Saudi Arabia, and—most notably—the turbulent moment the Real Madrid squad is experiencing. From afar, the former Madrid captain delivered a clear verdict: the problems do not stem from Xabi Alonso, but from the lack of chemistry among the team’s offensive stars.

“The coach can’t do anything”: Benzema’s full backing of Xabi Alonso

Benzema was emphatic in rejecting the idea that the Spanish manager is responsible for the team’s struggles. According to him, the main challenge lies in the fact that players like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo have yet to fully settle into their respective roles within the same system.

The former Madrid striker stressed that every player must understand what is expected of them: “Bellingham is a playmaker, not the main scorer; Mbappé is the finisher; Vinícius isn’t a defensive midfielder—he’s a left winger.” For Benzema, once elite players accept their roles, the collective performance naturally improves.

He added that when multiple superstars coexist, managing egos becomes crucial. Problems arise, he said, when a player refuses to accept that a teammate may score more goals or receive greater spotlight. “That’s the difficulty when you have five or six world-class players together,” he explained.

A squad lacking veteran voices and a challenge awaiting Mbappé

Benzema also highlighted the absence of seasoned leaders within the dressing room—figures capable of guiding younger stars like Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinícius. He noted that modern footballers communicate less with each other, focusing more on individual performances, which complicates forging a strong team identity.

In his assessment, the French forward underlined Mbappé’s extraordinary potential but stressed that he must embrace the responsibility of being decisive in major matches. Real Madrid, he said, signed him to win key games and lead the team to trophies—something he can achieve as long as the collective structure around him functions properly.

Benzema even compared the difficulty of scoring against clubs such as Elche or teams in the Saudi league, reminding that no professional match is truly “easy.” What truly matters, he insisted, is delivering on the nights that define seasons.

The Champions League winner also expressed his desire to play another World Cup with France and showered praise on Zinedine Zidane, whom he considers the number-one manager due to his natural authority and winning aura.