Zidane hits back at Gary Lineker and supports Benzema

Zinedine Zidane had some words to share about Lineker’s comments on Karim Benzema’s performance against Tottenham.

“Gary Lineker’s comments are embarrassing, it bothers me to hear such criticism towards Benzema because for anyone who understands football such things are a disgrace. For me he is the best by some way. It seems that here, a number 9 has to score 50 or 60 goals, but Karim scores 25 or 30 and even 30 or 40 goals, and that’s the real issue. We can't stop people criticising players. Everyone has an opinion, but as a player and manager, and from my own point of view, I don't believe that a striker should just get goals. He's got it all, he scores and assists others,” said Zidane.

Lineker had previously said that Benzema is “decent but not great” after questioning about whether he’s overrated as a player or not.

Zidane also explained that Keylor Navas’ groin injury is a new one as he was totally healthy when he played against Tottenham.