Real Madrid Fed up with criticism of French striker

In his final pre-match press conference before the Club World Cup final, Zinedine Zidane had some harsh words for those who continue to criticise Karim Benzema, a player that the French coach has total faith in.

It wasn't too long ago that former England forward, Gary Lineker, took a cheeky swipe at Benzema's credentials, and the general feeling on the striker's performances being below par haven't gone away.

"I don't agree with the criticism," he said to reporters on Friday evening.

"What interests me is not just his goals.

"Karim is a different type of player, he will not score 50 a season, but he has many other attributes.

"I like what Karim does for the team, he's one of the best in this regard, and in the team game, I value that a lot.

"I'm going to defend Benzema to death."

Real Madrid's coach admitted that his team would have to up their game if they wanted to overcome Gremio in Saturday's final.

"We are going to try to improve," he continued.

"That's clear, because they are a physical, technical team, and stronger than Al Jazira.

"We're convinced of playing a better match with the ball and in all other aspects."

Gremio coach Renato Gaucho had suggested in the build up that he was a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo, which drew a few laughs.

"Everyone can say he was a good player," Zidane noted.

"But I don't share that, because for me Cristiano is much better."