Benzema praises Mourinho

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has praised the influence of manager José Mourinho, saying that the Portuguese boss has already helped him progress as a player.

The France international has endured a slightly disappointing time in Madrid since moving to Santiago Bernabéu for a fee in the region of £30million.

And despite reported interest from a number of Premier League clubs, Benzema has moved to quash such rumors, insisting that he is happy at Real.

He said: “Mourinho is a coach very different to the ones I have worked with before in my young career.

“It is now three months that I have been working with him and I am progressing. He is helping me improve and reach my best level.

“I am happy here, it is up to me to make him choose me. I feel fine, scored on Tuesday and gave some good balls to my team-mates.”