Zidane: “I don’t understand why Karim Benzema isn’t in the France team”

Karim Benzema scored twice in Real Madrid’s 3-1 win over Celta Vigo and Zinedine Zidane was full of praise for the No.9 after the victory. He was asked about Benzema’s continued exclusion from the France national team and chuckled, before saying: 

“You don’t understand [why he isn’t called up]. I don’t understand it. Many don’t understand it. But, as coach of Real Madrid, it’s better for me. 

"But, what he did today once again was spectacular. I’m happy for him because he’s a hard worker and he always wants more. 

"From the first minute, we all went for it in this game and I think we deserved the victory.”

Some players are going away with their countries, though. On that and the potential for fatigue, Zidane said: “We know the schedule and that we have many matches. The players are good right now and we have to make the most of this. Some are going with their countries and that’s not ideal for me, as coach of Real Madrid, but it is what it is. For now, we just have to enjoy what we did in this game.”

Specifically, he was asked about Sergio Ramos, who couldn’t play against Celta Vigo because of a minor discomfort. Asked if he’ll be fine to join up with the Spanish national team, Zidane said: “Yes, Sergio will go. The issue the other day was just a knock, so he can go with his country because it was just a knock. He won’t have any problem in playing, because I think his first game with Spain is in five days. It could even be good for him.”