Former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has revealed Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema is like the little brother he never had.
According to Zidane, he has a close relationship with the Real Madrid striker.
In an interview with L’Équipe, Zidane was asked whether his relationship with Benzema goes beyond the pitch.
He responded: “There is affection. Karim is like the little brother I never had. I am the youngest in my family.”
Speaking more about his relationship with Benzema, Zidane added: “Our relationship has kept growing.
“We met each other when he arrived at Madrid, I was an advisor to the president and then assistant to Carlo [Ancelotti].
“We see each other a bit less now. We send each other messages. But he knows where he can find me. And I know where I can find him.”
Zidane also gave his verdict about Benzema’s brilliant season for Real Madrid which saw him score 27 goals in 32 La Liga games and 15 goals in 12 Champions League games.
Zidane said: “I’m not surprised.
“It’s just following on [from his previous form]. I knew he was capable of what he’s now doing. He’s always been very good all the time with Real Madrid. Only that now, he’s exceptional!”
Asked if Benzema will win the Ballon d’Or this year, Zidane added: “I’m not the only one who’s saying it, it’s the whole world! He more than deserves it.”
Asked if a manager needs to have been a great player in order to have respect from players like Cristiano Ronaldo or Karim Benzema, Zidane replied: “It helps to have experienced what they’re doing. But most of all, you can’t try to be more than them.
“You’re the manager, that’s not a problem. You’re the one who’s dictating where to go, but on the other hand you can’t piss them off.
“They’re the ones who make the difference on the pitch. I have no ego in terms of that.
“I’ve experienced situations where lots of managers or players wanted to be more than the others. Somewhere along the line, it doesn’t work.”
Asked if superstars like Benzema are easy to manage, Zidane said: “I’m going to state the obvious a bit when saying this, but the better and more important a player is, the easier it is.
“Really. They know what they’re doing. They’re focused. They know what they’re doing.
“The link I have with them is on a specific match, on specific tactics, on the opponent. That’s also why I love managing big players.”
