'He's a phenomenon' - Benitez responds after Benzema outburst

Rafael Benitez insists he is unworried by Karim Benzema’s decision to air his dissatisfaction with being substituted, labelling the striker a “phenomenon”.

Benzema gave an interview to AS on Monday in the wake of being substituted for the fifth time in six starts during the 1-1 draw with Atletico Madrid at the weekend, revealing his disappointment with his manager’s decision.

"It's true I'm fed up of being taken off. I'm calm and will continue to work so I'm not always subtituted. He took me off to get a result, for defensive reasons,” he said.

Benitez, though, says he is unperturbed by Benzema’s words and maintains that he understands his striker’s concerns.

“Benzema’s words don’t bother me. I love Karim, he’s a phenomenon,” he told COPE.

"I'd also be angry if I'm on a scoring streak and the manager decides to take me off."

Benzema has scored seven goals in eight appearances thus far this season.