Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has opened up regarding a ‘little problem’ he had with now Roma coach José Mourinho during their time together at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Special One spent three years leading Los Blancos, winning three trophies in total, among which the 2011/12 La Liga title stands out as his crowning achievement. However, the Portuguese tactician had his fair share of controversies in the Spanish capital.
Benzema joined Madrid one year prior to the arrival of Mourinho. Under the tactician, the Frenchman was largely involved in a starting eleven duel with Gonzalo Higuain but nonetheless made his mark by scoring 26 goals in 48 appearances in the Portuguese gaffer’s debut season in Spain.
Speaking to Onze Mundial (via Marca) the potential Ballon d’Or winner reminisced an incident with the newly arrived coach.
“I remember I had a little problem with José Mourinho at one point. We met at the hotel and we had a conversation the day before a match against Real Mallorca. I wasn’t supposed to play the game and, as we were arguing, I told him ‘Tomorrow you start me and I’ll score and I’ll make you win the game.’ The next day I scored and we won 1-0.”
The next season, Mourinho won the 2011/12 La Liga title in style, and Benzema played a key role – scoring 32 goals in 52 appearances – as the capital giants demolished their adversaries and usurped one of the best Barcelona sides in history by raking in 100 points, a domestic record that stands strong to this date.