Standard Liege vs. Real Madrid Match Preview: Benzema Talks About The Challenges Ahead
Real Madrid travel to Belgium to take on Standard Liege in a pre season friendly. This match would mark the end of the Spanish giant’s pre season games and prepare them for the start of the new La Liga season – which promises to be explosive.
In their last 6 matches, Standard Liege have had somewhat poor results, scoring only one win, losing one game and drawing the remaining four. They go into the match as the underdogs, hoping Madrid have a bad day. The Spanish giants on the other hand, signed arguably the most sought after player in this summer’s transfer window today; Ozil, have won five out of six of their last six matches, drawing the last one.
Karim Benzema, the French striker told reporters that he was looking forward to the fixture against Standard, and the upcoming La Liga season. He admitted that his debut had been any footballer’s nightmare, and he hoped to put things behind him with the new management and hopes of a successful campaign in the new season. “Last season was very difficult for me because it was the first time I played outside my own country. My family and I are now much more adjusted to the city. I am happy to be here,” he said.
Benzema not only had a disappointing season with the Galacticos, he was also left out of the French World Cup squad for the summer. However, the Frenchman was optimistic as he put the past behind him and vowed to score more goals for Mourinho’s Madrid. He was confident that his strong mindset would help him deal with any problems, on or off the pitch.
“I have forgotten about everything that happened last year. I am convinced that I am going to score a lot of goals. I am head strong and I will work hard to help my team win titles.” Benzema told reporters.
Benzema was full of praise for the new manager, Jose Mourinho. Mourinho has an impressive record, winning silverware wherever he goes. He started his winning streak at Porto, by leading them to Champions League victory. He then moved on to Chelsea, where he could not duplicate glory in Europe, but ensured the Premier League title twice in a row. His next stop was Inter Milan, where he won the Seri A and the Champions League, and has now moved to Madrid, his eyes on the big prize – the treble.
Benzema revealed that Mourinho was not only a master tactician, but also a good motivator; he said the Portuguese manager had helped him stay positive ahead of the new season. “Mourinho is great coach. He speaks to me on a regular basis, which is something I appreciate,” Benzema said.
Benzema revealed that with Kaka missing, Mourinho would have to make do without his first choice striker. But he believed that him and newcomer, Gonzalo Higuian would have no trouble effectively filling out that space. The young Frenchman said, “Real Madrid is a great team. Right now the only true forwards are Higuian and myself. Any other forward who joins us will be well received. We will miss Kaka while he is out. He is an incredible player and we hope he returns soon.”
However, it’s not the forwards that the Special One should be concerned about, it’s the defenders. Even though Madrid ensured wins in their last few friendlies, it was over a tight margin and Mourinho, who has always been big on defense, is bound to be worried. If Mourinho is determined to avoid any sort of upset or embarrassment in tonight’s match, he should ensure his defense is solid, the arrival of Chelsea defender Ricardo Carvalho, promises just that. Mourinho told reporters in a press conference, “We are still not a team tactically speaking. However, our attitude cannot be any better. That’s where we are a team. Our defense is great and we do not find ourselves in a situation that is worrying us.”
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