Real Madrid vs Dortmund "Those who love him know what he's doing"

Another weekend without scoring meant Zinedine Zidane faced the same volley of questions ahead of Real Madrid's match against Borussia Dortmund, and the coach continued to back Cristiano Ronaldo.

While it's undoubted that the forward has struggled for goals in the first half of the campaign, Zidane is confident that, like last season, Ronaldo will end the campaign on top form.

"I think Cristiano deserves more respect, he's so great that when things don't come off it's normal for people to talk about him," the coach stated at his pre-match press conference.

"Those who love Cristiano, and the club, know what he is doing.

"A short time ago, last year, he had a phenomenal season. We are halfway through this one, there are still six months to go.

"Six months is a very long time with Cristiano."

A 0-0 draw at Athletic Club on Saturday night meant Real failed to take advantage of Barcelona's slip-up on the same day, and Zidane is urging calm in the face of these bad results.

"[Criticism] doesn't bother me, really. It is the reality of our work," he added.

"We have to be calm, I'm not going to change. What I will say is that, in the end, we will be up there."

With the January market approaching, many have began speculating who Madrid will seek to purchase but the French coach is publicly happy with the players currently at his disposal.

"I'm very repetitive and I get tired of saying the same thing," said Zidane.

"I think my team is doing well. It's true that we have to score more goals but when things aren't adequate, I remain calm, because I know that sooner or later things will change.

"We are playing well in games and it doesn't matter what those outside the club are saying.

"I see things that other people may not see. They can say what they want, but sometimes they forget everything we have achieved.

"As the coach, this situation is not ideal, but we will improve and in the end we will be up there."

Gareth Bale won't be fit to face Dortmund on Wednesday however his chances of playing against Sevilla on the weekend are not over yet.

"I don't know when he will play," added Zidane.

"Against Sevilla, it will depend on when he can train.

"He is working on the pitch, but still away from the team. He'll go to Abu Dhabi with us, that's for sure."

Los Blancos face Borussia at 20:45 CET and the Champions League group closer is a dead rubber, with Real already guaranteed a second-placed finish.