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Zinedine Zidane cannot hide his admiration for French striker as Real prepare for Liverpool in the Champions League
Zinedine Zidane does a nice line in gentle smiles and gentler put downs, little glimpses of what a hassle the whole dealing-with-the-media thing can be sometimes. But often he seems to enjoy it too and this was one of those times, which tends to be the case when he’s talking about Karim Benzema – the striker who sees him not just as a manager but as his “big brother”. If there is a player who elicits warmth and enthusiasm in Zidane, something almost paternal too, it is the Real Madrid No 9 who is not a No 9.
It was the last weekend before the international break and Madrid had just defeated Celta Vigo. Benzema had scored the opening two goals, decisive again. After the game, Zidane was asked about his compatriot, who has been almost single-handedly responsible for Madrid’s attacking output this season and last. “You did the right thing asking,” he replied, “because he is the hostia.”
Related: Mohamed Salah and Liverpool need a win not revenge on Real Madrid | Andy Hunter
Related: Andrea Dossena: 'Not many players have scored at Anfield against Real Madrid' | Will Unwin
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Zinedine Zidane does a nice line in gentle smiles and gentler put downs, little glimpses of what a hassle the whole dealing-with-the-media thing can be sometimes. But often he seems to enjoy it too and this was one of those times, which tends to be the case when he’s talking about Karim Benzema – the striker who sees him not just as a manager but as his “big brother”. If there is a player who elicits warmth and enthusiasm in Zidane, something almost paternal too, it is the Real Madrid No 9 who is not a No 9.
It was the last weekend before the international break and Madrid had just defeated Celta Vigo. Benzema had scored the opening two goals, decisive again. After the game, Zidane was asked about his compatriot, who has been almost single-handedly responsible for Madrid’s attacking output this season and last. “You did the right thing asking,” he replied, “because he is the hostia.”
Related: Mohamed Salah and Liverpool need a win not revenge on Real Madrid | Andy Hunter
Related: Andrea Dossena: 'Not many players have scored at Anfield against Real Madrid' | Will Unwin
Continue reading...
More...