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I'm Not Afraid Of Barcelona, But I Don't Want Lionel Messi To Play - Real Madrid's Karim Benzema
The Frenchman has stated that los Blancos are looking for victory in the Camp Nou, but he has hinted that a certain Argentine could be the man to stop them claiming three points...
28-Nov-2009 4:31:59 PM
With el Clasico just around the corner, Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has revealed that he is not afraid of facing Barcelona.
"I'm not afraid of either Barcelona or the Camp Nou," he proclaimed to Marca.
Despite this declaration, he added, "I would prefer that [Lionel] Messi doesn't play - he's very good."
Sunday's match has been billed as a clash of styles between the Blaugrana and los Blancos, but Benzema has stressed that "little by little, the flair will come" for Manuel Pellegrini's men.
"I'm not thinking about losing, only going four points clear," he continued.
The 21-year-old also opined on Thierry Henry's handball in the World Cup play-off with Ireland, and he defended his international team-mate.
"You can't forget everything that Henry has done for the French national team. The ball hit his hand and that's it - it could happen to anyone," he concluded.
Anthony Wright, Goal.com
"I'm not afraid of either Barcelona or the Camp Nou," he proclaimed to Marca.
Despite this declaration, he added, "I would prefer that [Lionel] Messi doesn't play - he's very good."
Sunday's match has been billed as a clash of styles between the Blaugrana and los Blancos, but Benzema has stressed that "little by little, the flair will come" for Manuel Pellegrini's men.
"I'm not thinking about losing, only going four points clear," he continued.
The 21-year-old also opined on Thierry Henry's handball in the World Cup play-off with Ireland, and he defended his international team-mate.
"You can't forget everything that Henry has done for the French national team. The ball hit his hand and that's it - it could happen to anyone," he concluded.
Anthony Wright, Goal.com
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