Madrid, Mar 9 (EFE), (Camera: Nacho Martin).- Real Madrid's French coach Zinedine Zidane on Friday was again forced to defend the role his countryman Karim Benzema plays in the team and denied that Welsh forward Gareth Bale is injured.
Benzema's overall performance and Bale's total contribution to the team have drawn criticism from some fans.
"Regardless of being unfair or not, I will not change my mind about Karim," Zidane said at a press conference ahead of Saturday's La Liga match against Eibar.
"I do not have to convince people. Some of those who know soccer, know that Karim is very good," he stressed.
The coach also explained why Bale did not start in Real's 2-1 win over Paris Saint Germain in the second leg of UEFA Champions League round of 16, insisting that Bale does not suffer from injuries and highlighting his importance in the club.
Zidane: "I do not have to comment on whether it is fair or not, because it will not change, the only thing I am interested in is Karim’s work, what he has done and he has done it very well. I would have liked him to score because he had opportunities but we need patience and we have to remember that he did well for the team. Other players scored and we won, the rest is not interesting."
Keywords: efe,spain,soccer,football
