Karim Benzema was taken off by Rafa Benitez in Real Madrid's tie against Atletico Madrid.

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

Benitez has received widespread criticism for being so defensive.

"I’ve been made aware that there was some criticism, but I’ve been focused on coaching," said Benitez. "I don’t read the press that much. The important aspect is what we have done and what I say to my people.

"Do you believe I told the team to sit that deeply? I come from a Napoli team who scored 104 goals. Do you think I’m going to be hyper-defensive with Real Madrid? A team that creates chances, and is great in possession is not defensive.

"The thing that bothers me least is the accusation that I'm hyper-defensive. What annoys me most is dropping two points."