Zidane: “I will support Benzema until the very end”

Those fans who want Karim Benzema to stay on the bench might need to wait a while. Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane had some strong words to say about his starting striker during the pre-match press conference for the Club World Cup Final against Gremio.

“I don’t agree with the critics but that’s the way it is. I care about much more than goals, Karim is a different player and while it’s true that he will not score 50 or 60 goals a season, he’s scored a good number of goals for this club. i like what he does for this team, he’s one of the best, a team player and that’s something I care about. I will support him until the very end. I support my players every time even when they are struggling, and even though Karim is not struggling, it’s time for me to end this discussion,” said Zidane.

Benzema hit the post twice during the Semifinal against Al Jazira and has been criticized all throughout the season because of the chances he’s missed. Still, it’s clear that he is the striker Zidane wants as the club got rid of Alvaro Morata last summer even though the Spanish attacker could’ve competed with Benzema for a spot in Zidane’s starting lineup.