Zinedine Zidane maintains Karim Benzema had a “very good” Club World Cup semi-final, despite his misses, and “won’t ask” Real Madrid for another striker.
Benzema was jeered off against Al Jazira after he squandered several chances, his replacement Gareth Bale going on to score Madrid’s winner in a 2-1 victory with his first touch, but Zidane made it clear he would stand by his fellow Frenchman.
“Benzema? He was very good and I won’t ask the club to bring in a striker,” the Coach said after the game.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, but he had a good game. Those up top created chances and I’m disappointed for him because the ball didn’t want to go in.
“Now we have to think about recovering. I’m happy with how everyone played.”
