Karim Benzema denies Jose Mourinho rift

Karim Benzema has dismissed speculation that there has been a falling-out between the playing squad at Real Madrid and coach Jose Mourinho.

Spanish newspaper Marca recently claimed that a number of senior players, including Sergio Ramos and captain Iker Casillas, had informed president Florentino Perez that they will leave the club in the summer if Mourinho is not removed from his position.

However, French centre-forward Benzema has insisted that there is no truth to those rumours.

"We do not have a bad relationship with the coach," he told a press conference this afternoon.

Benzema was speaking ahead of his side's Copa del Rey fixture against rivals Barcelona tomorrow night.