Berbatov: I bet Zidane is now laughing in his office Real Madrid Expressed thoughts on Hazard and Courtois

Dimitar Berbatov has indicated that Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has the right to laugh at those who criticised him in the first stretch of the season.

The Frenchman was blamed for Real Madrid's poor form in the first few games, but his team managed to bounce back and picked up their performances and now sit top of LaLiga Santander.

"There were rumours on whether Zidane could be sacked and everyone was wondering why he decided to come back," recalled Berbatov to Betfair.

"Now I bet he's laughing in his office while looking at the standings and the results he is getting."

Eden Hazard has been sidelined due to injury in the last couple of months, but Berbatov believes that Real Madrid function well as a team without him.

"I have seen photos of [Hazard] training again and I am looking forward to him returning as soon as possible, because he is a big signing and there is great pressure on him," Berbatov added.

"However, Real Madrid are doing very well now, which shows that they can do without needing anyone."

Berbatov went on to stress that Thibaut Courtois is a world-class goalkeeper but he needs to polish his footwork.

"Courtois still has to do a lot of work with his feet," Berbatov noted.

"I remember when he came to Real Madrid it was difficult, but it's nice to see that he has been getting his place despite those details that can be improved.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world [along with Jan] Oblak, [Marc-Andre] ter Stegen and [Manuel] Neuer."