Benzema: “I don't see any other team capable of being better than Real Madrid”

TThe group of footballers, all dressed in yellow, head to one of the training camps at the Melia Villaitana hotel in Benidorm.

More than twenty, all in yellow, but one stands out in the distance. The silhouette of a great player. Before setting foot on the field, he recognizes us and comes over to say hello.

“And here?” he said with a smile from ear to ear and clearly feeling good and comfortable in his second season in the Jeddah team.

“I'm fine, I'm happy, satisfied and I'm looking forward to doing good things with the team. I see you're doing well,” he said, laughing and recalling the successes of his former team and the French team. Spanish National Team.

He puts on his crampons and begins training for an hour and a half under the Benidorm sun. After training, the appointment is repeated. This time with microphone and camera, during his reunion with the Spanish press, with BRAND as the chosen media.

Second season in Saudi Arabia, with significant changes in Al IttihadWhat do you expect from this new campaign?

“It's going very, very well. We started the pre-season in the best possible way in terms of work, with new players, a new coach and, of course, with other perspectives in terms of competition. Now we are working for the season, that's what matters.”

How has the team changed between last season and this one?

“There is a lot of motivation to do things well, we are building a good team, stronger every day and I feel much better.”

In another league and in other circumstances, but with the idea of ​​being champion, is that it?

“Of course. Always, always. It won't be easy because the championship is complicated, each time the teams get stronger and improve. There are very strong and very good opponents, but this season I think we can do very good things.”

Everyone inside is talking about a stronger championship than people think in Europe, do you think that's true?

“Yes, yes, little by little, year after year, more and more players are arriving and the quality of football is improving a little more and all this makes the Saudi Pro League an interesting, stronger and higher level championship.”

What are your expectations this season at Al Ittihad?

“I think we are bigger and better than last year. Things didn't work out. We have much better football, we are capable of playing well and winning the league, which is the most important trophy for the club, the fans. They want to win it, like us. And I am here, with my team, to win it, everyone has to be clear about that.”

Do you feel important here? I say that because everyone says you are the reference of the team.

“Yes, yes, of course, I know what I have to do. That's why I'm preparing well, to be in shape and to be able to help my teammates and, I hope, win trophies this season. That's my goal and that of all my teammates.”

Real Madrid won everything last season, what do you think? Do you look back with nostalgia?

“Yes, a spectacular season, very good. real Madrid is still the best team in the world. Players come and go, others come and go, but real Madrid will always be on top. He is the best and will continue to prove it.”

What did you think when you watched the Champions League final at Wembley?

“Joy. Lots of joy. This is my team and I will always be by your side real Madrid and my teammates. real Madrid East real Madridsomething unique.'

Did you end up regretting your departure?

“Some come and some go. That’s how it is and it will always be like that. It was the right time. Of course, I look back and I’m happy. Today, I don’t see any other team that can be better than real Madrid” . “

Do you see a team on the horizon capable of threatening Real Madrid's dominance?

“They are the best team in the world. They are always strong and fight for everything. I stop, I look and I don't see any team capable of being better.”

It was tough for you, but in the end the recognition came in the form of the Ballon d'Or, who do you see as the favourite to win the next one?

“Ballon d'Or? I'll say Wine [Jr] “Because he deserves it for his season and not only for what he did this year, but also for what he did the year before. He is a kid, but a complete footballer.”

What is Vinicius Jr's main ability?

“He can win a game on his own, of course with the help of his teammates, but he is very good when real Madrid needs him and that's why I think he deserves it. He's always there and he's always there. Despite everything, my favorite is Wine” . “

After a season without a number 9 for Real Madrid, the club now has an owner in the person of Kylian Mbappé

“Sooner or later he will play for real Madrid. I always thought that and that's how it happened. He's a great player.