Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists under-fire Danilo is still very much in his plans and that he does not give Karim Benzema special treatment.
Danilo scored his second own goal in two weeks on Wednesday during Madrid’s Copa del Rey quarter-final defeat to Celta Vigo, while a Cadena SER poll found 88 percent of voters wanted Benzema to be benched after just one La Liga goal since October 23.
“Danilo? The most important thing is that Danilo is ready to play,” the Coach said at a Press conference ahead of Sunday’s encounter with Real Sociedad in La Liga.
“He hasn’t been erased. He has character and confidence in his game. What we need is the support of everyone.
“We want our fans to support the team. We’re with them and they’re with us.
“We’ll always win with the help of our fans. It’s good that our fans are demanding, but at the same time we’ll win with their support, I have no doubt.
“I'm not worried about the reaction of the Bernabeu, not at all.
“Have I criticised Benzema? I criticise Benzema like I do everyone else. I love all my players and it bothers me when they’re criticised.
“I know what you [reporters] mean by these questions, but the only thing Karim and I have in common is the language. Other than that, I treat all my players equally, really.
“Do I have to ask more from Benzema? More has to be asked of every player, but I don’t think he’s been that bad.
“He’s scored goals, I see him stuck in. I’ll always ask for more, of course, like I do of everyone else.
“La Real? I don’t think their Copa elimination will affect them. La Real are a team that always make it very difficult for you.
“They’re a very good team that do things very well.”
