Zidane: Benzema focused on Sevilla

Zinedine Zidane has vowed that Karim Benzema is “concentrating on just playing football” ahead of Real Madrid’s La Liga match against Sevilla on Sunday.

French newspaper Liberation linked Benzema with an investigation into drug trafficking and money laundering on Friday, amidst his involvement in an ongoing blackmail case, but Zidane made it clear the striker was in a fit state to continue leading Madrid’s front line.

“I won’t say whether the treatment of Benzema it’s fair or unfair,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“All I can say is that I want the player to concentrate just on playing football and think about tomorrow’s game.

“I’ve spoken to him and we believe it’s best for him to only think about football.

“[On Wolfsburg], they’re in the quarters for a reason. They finished top of their Champions League group. We’ll prepare well against a very strong rival.

“I’m thinking about the game against Sevilla, not the one at Camp Nou.

“After this match, there’s a break in order to prepare for the next one.

“First up, there’s [Sunday’s] game, which is going to be a tough game because they’re a very strong rival.

“They may have injuries, but they have a very good squad. I’m convinced that it’ll be difficult.

“[Toni] Kroos can play in many positions, but the important thing is that he’s on the pitch.

“He was rested for the last game because he had played many minutes [consecutively]. Now he’s ready to play.

“We have 22 to 23 players available [for Barca]. I’ll always pick the best team I see at that time of thinking.

“We’re going game by game, and having all the players at my disposal is positive.

“[Borja] Mayoral’s a Castilla player. It’s not easy what he’s doing.

“He knows that during the week he’s training with us. It’s normal for him to drop into Castilla. I’m very happy with him.”

Tags Zinedine Zidane
La Liga - Club News