Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken out in support of under-fire striker Karim Benzema and insisted that he is not under pressure to score goals for the club.

The France international striker has been targeted by a section of the Real fans this season following a disappointing return of two goals so far, while the likes of star player Cristiano Ronaldo has rattled in nine La Liga goals already.

It is not the first time that Benzema has faced the wrath of the Bernabeu faithful as he was singled out for some abuse last term, despite the club’s successful march to Champions League glory.

However Ancelotti has handed Benzema a huge vote of confidence by insisting that he brings more than just goals to the Real attack and is an important cog in the side’s machinery.

“Benzema doesn’t need to worry about the fact that Cristiano scored four goals [against Elche on Tuesday], that’s something to celebrate, because it means we have great goalscoring quality,” he said.

“Karim isn’t under pressure to score goals, his job is to work to help the team play better and give us solutions in attack.”

Benzema will still no doubt look to get on the scoresheet later on Saturday when Real will look to follow up Tuesday’s 5-1 thrashing of Elche with a victory against Villarreal.

That result caps a stunning return to form for Los Blancos as they have now scored 18 goals in the last three games, on the back of successive defeats to Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid in La Liga.