ZZ: Real fans rate Benzema, Neymar…

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane insists real football fans rate Karim Benzema and admits Neymar “would fit into any team in the world.”

Benzema has scored just eight goals this season, despite being a striker, but has assisted nine for his Madrid teammates, while Madrid have again been linked with Neymar, who is said to be regretting his move to Paris Saint-Germain after their Champions League exit.

“Benzema? I don’t have to convince anything to anyone,” began the Coach at a Press conference for Saturday’s early kick-off at Eibar in La Liga.

“Whoever knows football knows Karim is a very good player. Whoever likes football likes him, but there are players that are more liked than others. We can’t change this.

“He deserves to be here. I like him a lot and his numbers speak for themselves. It’s normal that we ask for because he hasn’t scored lately, but he does other things for the team. I’m optimistic that the goals will come.

“He did very well against PSG. I would’ve liked it if he scored because he had chances, but he did well for the team. The rest doesn’t interest me.

“Bale? You’re looking for problems which don’t exist. He’s in a team with some very good players, but he’s crucial for us and we’re going to count on him for the rest of the season.

“€400m for Neymar? When Madrid bought me for €72m, it seemed crazy. Maybe a player will be worth that in 10 years or so, but he’d fit into any team in the world.

“Eibar? They’re a brave team and we’ll be playing on a small and difficult pitch. I would’ve preferred us to be top of La Liga and in the Copa del Rey Final, but things don’t always go well.

“We want to win everything, but the reality is this. Still, the League hasn’t been decided yet

“Criticism? When you lose, there’s lots of talk, and when you win, it changes. What they won’t talk away from me is the enthusiasm that I put into my work.

“When I lose, I’ll be the worst Coach in the world…”

Tags Karim Benzema Neymar Paris Saint-Germain PSG Zinedine Zidane
La Liga - Club News