REAL MADRID 3-0 EIBAR | ZIDANE
Zidane: "Cristiano is the best of his generation, by a long way"
The Real Madrid coach backed Benzema: "I always defend my players and especially when a player is very good. Football isn't just about scoring goals".
Zinedine Zidane offered his thoughts on his side's 3-0 win over Eibar and admitted that Madrid can play better than they did when in possession. He also reiterated his defence of Karim Benzema.
What pleased you most about this win? “Everything. The third goal came from a wonderful move. I liked all of it, even if it wasn't all perfect I'm happy with the result because we needed to take three points from this game - and score goals, because that always seems to be a talking point…”
Madrid lacked fluidity: “Maybe, if you had that impression I'm not going to argue. We cvould have played better - particularly when we had the ball. But we had a lot of changes today. Sometimes you want the team to play perfectly but I'm happy with the result”.
Zidane: "I really enjoy watching Benzema play"
Benzema on the bench: “We'd planned to start him on the bench because after almost a month on the sidelines, now he would have had had three games in a row. It means nothing that I defend him then he doesn't start, or doesn't play. He needed to rest. He came on in the second half and did well. I always defend my players and especially when a player is very good”.
Benzema's part in the winning goal: “He brings a bit of everything and that's why I like Karim. You can think what you like but this is football and football isn't only about scoring goals. Of course we have to score, but there's more to it than that and Karim has got those extra qualities”.
Glum Cristiano and applause for Benzema: “Cristiano's case is the same as always. When he doesn't score you ask the same question. We are not worried. It's better when he does score because it matters to him but more important is that the team creates chances. He's the top scorer in the Champions League and he'll be back scoring in LaLiga. It could all change in our next game. As for Benzema, I'm happy for him. When all's said and done, that's what we enjoy seeing - players who know how to play and combine in team”.
"Lineker is entitled to his opinion but I don't agree" says Zidane
Lineker has responded to your defence of Benzema. What did you make of his tweet? “Lineker? I don't know. He can have his opinion - he works in television so it's normal that's he'll have his say. If you tell me that Benzema is overrated, I don't agree. Everyone can voice their opinion but I enjoy watching Karim play. He played half an hour tonight and started the move which led to the third goal from the halfway line”.
Do you think Cristiano is the best player of his generation? “Yes, and by a long way. He has showed he is because he's always there in the big games; he always makes a difference. He has deserved all of the awards he has received. It's his job. He shows he wants to be the best and he is”.
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