Karim Benzema
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has told reporters that he will ‘not ask for a striker’ when the January transfer window opens, despite Karim Benzema’s poor run of form.
The French striker has come under scrutiny after only being able to find the back of the net five times in 18 appearances for the current Champions League holders.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Co are also off the pace in La Liga too, as they trail league leaders and rivals Barcelona by eight points in fourth place.
However, despite his compatriot being off the boil, Zidane has reassured him by revealing that he won’t be looking for his replacement next month.
‘[Benzema] has been very good and I will not ask for a striker,’ Zidane told reporters after their 2-1 victory over Al Jazira on Wednesday.
‘Everyone can have their opinion, he had a good game.
‘The team have created chances and I’m disappointed for him because the ball didn’t want to go in.
‘We have to think about our recovery. I’m happy with how everyone played.’
Real will face Brazilian side Gremio in the Club World Cup final on Saturday after coming from behind to beat Al Jazira 2-1 in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday evening.
Benzema failed to get on the scoresheet before coming off for Gareth Bale, who eventually scored Madrid’s winner nine minutes before the final whistle.