OM striker Valère Germain, the subject of criticism from Marseille's boo-boys, has responded to Karim Benzema's defence of him in an Instagram live video a week ago.
Although former Olympique Lyonnais prodigy Karim Benzema's comments about fellow France striker Olivier Giroud were controversial, the Real Madrid centre-forward had only positive things to say about OM striker Valère Germain, who has been accused of under-performing for the southern giants.
Benzema: 'I know you're a good player'
"He's not a bad player. Why was he good at Monaco? In Marseille, there's a lot of pressure. There are players who can handle it and others who can't. He's under pressure," Karim Benzema told Youtuber Mohamed Henni on Instagram. "In Marseille, he started well and then had an average game or two and it was all over. That's why it's hard for him. Valère Germain, if you can hear me and see this video, I know you're a good player."
Germain has had two 14-goal seasons - with boyhood club Monaco in 2012-13 and then Nice in 2015-16 - but since moving to Marseille his numbers have declined, with nine goals in his first term at the Vélodrome, followed by eight goals last season.
Well thank you very much
The target of plenty of criticism in what has been a tough season for him personally - he has just two goals and three assists in 25 appearances (14 starts) -Valère Germain did not deny enjoying these remarks when talking to French radio station RMC.
"It's more interesting to listen to comments when they come from great players or people who really know football, be they former players, coaches or people who are really passionate about the game," said the 29-year-old. "The fact that it's a great striker like him, is always nice, that's for sure."