You Can’t Understand That Benzema Doesn’t Play For France – Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has reopened the debate on Karim Benzema’s lack of France call-ups after the striker scored for the sixth successive game for Real Madrid on Saturday.

The 33-year-old, who hasn’t played for France since 2015, netted twice as Los Blancos beat Celta Vigo 3-1 at Balaidos.

“You can’t understand that Benzema doesn’t play for his country,” Zidane said at full time.

“Lots of people don’t understand it.

“But I’m happy as the coach of Real Madrid. He’s done a great job for the team.”

The win over Celta takes Real Madrid to within three points of leaders Atletico Madrid in LaLiga Santander. Rotation in midfield could be key going into the final weeks of the campaign.

“We know what the schedule is like and we know there are lots of games to come,” Zidane said.

“But the players are fine.

“Yes, two of the [midfielders] are leaving [for international duty] and it’s not ideal.

“Now, we have to enjoy this win.

“I don’t think the end of the season is going to be complicated – the opposite.

“We have to keep going. We’ve been playing well lately.

“We’re in the final stretch where everything is in play.

“We’re doing well physically, we’re in great form.

“We suffered a bit in the second half [against Celta], but we interpreted the game well.”

Sergio Ramos wasn’t with Real Madrid in Vigo due to injury, though he will play for Spain this international break.

“He’s going to go with Spain because the thing [he suffered] the other day was a knock,” Zidane explained.

“We’ll see. He’s going to play in the next five days and it’s not going to be a problem. It’ll do him good as well.”