Rafa Benitez challenges Karim Benzema to 'score twice' to avoid substitution

Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez and his top striker, Karim Benzema, are engaged in a public back-and-forth after the French footballer said he is "fed up" with being substituted out of matches.

When asked about his limited role in his side's matches, Benzema addressed reporters with a direct answer. "It's true that the electronic board always shows the No. 9," Benzema said. "Ask Benitez why that is."

Well, ask Benitez they did, as reporters in Spain relayed Benzema's criticisms to the manager in a news conference. Benitez wasn't defensive, though; rather, he doubled down on his decision and challenged Benzema to do the same.

"I’d also be annoyed if the coach was taking me off," Benitez said in response. "I’d go out of my way to score twice to avoid getting subbed. I’ve never had a problem with him.

"If it needs to be done, yes, I’d change him (again). Karim is a phenomenal player and if he could get two goals instead of one, I’d be delighted."

Benzema has already scored six times in seven games this season, leading La Liga in the goal charts. Benitez says he's been quite impressed with the Frenchman's tally this season, falling in line with the mission he set out for Benzema at the start of the year.

"I’ve laid down a challenge for him to score, 20 to 25 goals this season and I’m delighted with his response," Benitez said.

Does Benitez have a problem managing his star players?

"No," he answered, when posed that question. "One of the factors that characterizes an elite group is that they are all very competitive. A very high percentage of this squad is so competitive that even a kick-a bout at training is highly charged.

"This is something that happens at clubs the world over," he continued. "At the end I’m the one who has to answer the questions about Benzema being substituted. The press has to accept the reasons that I offer, not what they’d like to hear."