France and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema has been told he needs to work harder and be more ambitious if he is to make the most of his talents.
The France international has struggled since his big-money move to Spain last summer.
But he was included in Real’s starting XI on Tuesday for the Champions League victory at Auxerre, although he did not impress.
Afterwards, Real boss Jose Mourinho spoke with France coach Laurent Blanc about the striker and how he can improve.
Mourinho told Canal+: “I am talking a lot about Karim with Laurent. We both believe he has huge qualities.
“But maybe he needs to play with more ambition.”
Blanc believes the striker simply needs to work harder.
He told France Soir: “It is not a lack of ambition matter. I believe for some players it is a surprise when they realise their natural qualities are not enough and they have to work tactically and collectively.
“He is not used to work. When you have a tête-à-tête with him, he is listening to you.
“But that kind of player meets people who say: ‘You are the best, you are playing at Real Madrid, you don’t need to work.’ They are not real friends.”
