Benzema: I´m mentally stronger

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has spoken about his psychological progress since arriving in the Spanish capital.

In an interview ahead of Real’s trip to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League, the 24-year-old discussed what he has gained playing under coach Jose Mourinho.

“The coach has worked with me on the mental side of the game. Now I’m stronger in that regard,” the France international told UEFA.com.

“I’ve had many ups and downs in Madrid, but I’m still here. Mourinho is a great coach and very supportive.”

He then went on to give his take on the pressure that footballers have to deal with.

“Pressure has been part of my life since I was at Lyon, but here it’s more intense because I’m at the best club in the world,” he said.

“But I don’t feel pressure during games otherwise I’d be paralysed and unable to play. I forget it by talking to my little brother.

“Overall I’m quite shy. When people get to know me they realise I like to have fun and I’m always laughing.”

Benzema reflected on Real’s efforts in last season’s Champions League, a run to the semi-finals that was halted by the German club.

“Unfortunately we lost to Bayern Munich on penalties, and we were all disappointed because we thought we could win the competition. But looking back, I think we had a great campaign,” he said.

Looking ahead towards their match on Wednesday, he said: “Borussia Dortmund are a great team. It’ll be a tough game as those against Manchester City and Ajax were. It’s up to us to go there and achieve a great result.”