Real Madrid coach José Mourinho is hopeful that under pressure striker Karim Benzema can fulfil his potential at the club.
The 22-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since his big-money move from Olympique Lyon in 2009, scoring just eight goals in his first league campaign and netting only once so far this term.
While placing the responsibility for Benzema's form firmly in the striker's own hands, Mourinho said there was still time for him to save his career with Los Merengues.
He told the club's official website: "I have always believed that players should be held responsible (for their performances). The coach is nothing more than a collaborator. It is up to the player.
"Much has been written about him, but the majority of it is untrue.
"He isn't playing well, but he isn't dead. He is very much alive and I called him up (for the squad to play Hércules tomorrow).
"We hope he can improve because he has the potential.
"Other teams have great players in similar situations and nothing has been said about them. Football is like this. Strikers feed off goals.
"Tomorrow he will start on the bench and if he has to play, he will. We have a good relationship."
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
The 22-year-old has failed to live up to expectations since his big-money move from Olympique Lyon in 2009, scoring just eight goals in his first league campaign and netting only once so far this term.
While placing the responsibility for Benzema's form firmly in the striker's own hands, Mourinho said there was still time for him to save his career with Los Merengues.
He told the club's official website: "I have always believed that players should be held responsible (for their performances). The coach is nothing more than a collaborator. It is up to the player.
"Much has been written about him, but the majority of it is untrue.
"He isn't playing well, but he isn't dead. He is very much alive and I called him up (for the squad to play Hércules tomorrow).
"We hope he can improve because he has the potential.
"Other teams have great players in similar situations and nothing has been said about them. Football is like this. Strikers feed off goals.
"Tomorrow he will start on the bench and if he has to play, he will. We have a good relationship."
Don't forget to check us out on Twitter and Facebook for more soccer updates!
Related links:
Team
Personal
Also see:
