Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane has called for Cristiano Ronaldo to be shown “more respect” and provided an update on Gareth Bale.
Zidane, speaking prior to Madrid’s final Champions League group game, against Borussia Dortmund at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday night, was asked about Ronaldo, who has struggled to replicate the form of past seasons so far in 2017-18.
“I think Cristiano deserves more respect, but he is so great that when things don’t go as well it’s normal for people to have an opinion on him,” Zidane replied, Marca reports.
“The people who love Cristiano and the club know what he is doing. A short time ago, last year, he had a phenomenal season. We’re halfway, there are still six months to go. Six months is a very long time with Cristiano.”
Zidane, who also insisted he isn’t concerned with public criticism of his Madrid team, also touched on the fitness of Wales international Bale.
“I don’t know when he will play. Sevilla depends on when he can train with us. He’s training on the grass but still not with the team. He’ll travel to Abu Dhabi [for the Club World Cup], for sure.”
