Benzema's cherished Zidane poster

Cameras followed Benzema around Valdebebas

Posted Thursday, November 16, 2017 by Marca.com

Many have noted the close relationship between Karim Benzema and Zinedine Zidane, the French coach has constantly defended his forward and it has emerged that the former Lyon goalscorer has a Zidane poster in his locker at Valdebebas.

As part of a documentary produced by Canal+, Benzema was accompanied by cameras as he arrived at Valdebebas for training.

The documentary entitled 'Le K Benzema' has already aired in France and it details the Real Madrid forward's daily routine and career thus far.

One of the most memorable scenes from the 90-minute production was one which showed the respect and admiration he holds for his coach.

It is no secret that for those of Benzema's generation, Zidane is the icon of French football, he carried his team to success in the 1998 World Cup and adoration has followed ever since.

In the aforementioned scene, the French international greets Gareth Bale in the massage room before heading to his locker and when he arrives, the camera pans to a poster of the 45-year-old.

"I do not know who put this here," he joked.

Whilst criticism has arrived at the forward's door from all areas, Los Blancos' coach has kept his faith in Benzema and continues to select him for matches.

Zidane himself made clear that much of the criticism aimed at the 29-year-old is short-sighted and doesn't relate to his overall quality.

"He is an exceptional forward," the coach noted. "I don't only defend Karim, but all of my players.

"However in Karim's case it bothers me particularly because people who know football shouldn't say these things."