MADRID // Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, suggested Karim Benzema needs to work harder after the French forward was again roundly whistled by home fans in Sunday's 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Benzema has blown hot and cold since joining the nine-time European champions from Lyon in 2009, although Sunday's reaction seemed a little out of place given that he set up both of Isco's goals in the victory.
They came on either side of a Cristiano Ronaldo header, with Ibai Gomez scoring a consolation for Bilbao.
Instead of backing his player, however, Ancelotti, who replaced Jose Mourinho at the end of last season, told a news conference after the game that he understood the crowd's reaction. He suggested Benzema could learn from Real's energetic and tenacious Argentinian forward Angel Di Maria.
"Today, one thing was very clear," Ancelotti said. "Benzema was whistled a bit, while Di Maria was applauded by the whole stadium.
"The fans look closely at the players. It's a very clear sign for everyone that hard work is applauded."
Ancelotti had little new to say about the possible arrival of Gareth Bale from Tottenham Hotspur before the transfer window closes Monday.
Fabio Coentrao, the Portuguese full-back, who has reportedly been seeking an exit, will be staying.
"I don't know what will happen [Monday], I cannot say today that the squad is closed," Ancelotti said. "Coentrao is staying and I think everyone is very pleased with this decision. I did not want him to leave."
Meanwhile, the Bilbao midfielder Ander Herrera, 24, is unlikely to leave before the transfer window closes despite an offer from English Premier League champions Manchester United, coach Ernesto Valverde said.
The Basque club this week rejected United's move and president Josu Urrutia made it clear that if Herrera is to leave, he will have to ask permission and his buyout clause of €36 million (Dh174.7m) must be paid.
Speaking after the game, Valverde said that to his knowledge, Herrera, who was on the bench at the Bernabeu, had not asked to move on.
The fact he was an unused substitute against Real had nothing to do with United's offer, he added, which Spanish media have said was around €3m.
"It is my understanding as of right now that there will be no more movement in the squad," Valverde said.
"I consider him a very good player and he is very important for us. My impression is that Ander will stay with us and I am not worried about anything else."
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