The Real Madrid boss looked back over current events at the club ahead of the Spanish Cup last 32 game against Cadiz. Regarding Marcelo, Rafa Benítez said: "We have players who can step in and do a good job in that position".

On Benzema: "He's an important player for us. On a personal note, he's a great lad. He has our full support. In terms of his football, he's key".

On James: "He's a player who has been out injured for 55 days. There's no problem with the player. The more he trains and plays, the better for us".

The Real Madrid boss wanted to make it very clear that James has his full backing, but clarified that he has to juggle a squad that is packed with talent and footballers who also deserve a shot.

"I have every faith in James and he has my full support, but I insist that this is Real Madrid, a team in which there is tough competition for places. That's all there is to it", he said.

"I'm thrilled with all the players who featured against Eibar because the entire team stepped up to the plate for what was a very complicated away game. I'm ecstatic when players score lots of goals and play well", he added.

Benítez was asked about James as many as four times during his press conference, to which the coach said: "James is an excellent player, a really good footballer and I want my best players to perform well. If they don't, someone else will play in their place. That's the only problem there is".

"I'm not going to go over it again. I've spoken with him and made everything clear. I want to see James at his very best every Sunday and Wednesday, scoring lots of goals. I'd be thrilled if that were the case", he concluded.