Zinedine Zidane implored Real Madrid fans to not jeer Karim Benzema after the striker was whistled while making his return from injury in the 7-1 thrashing of Deportivo La Coruna.
Benzema was introduced for Borja Mayoral in the 64th minute on Sunday with Madrid 3-1 up, as the Frenchman made his first appearance since El Clasico on December 23.
The 30-year-old was given a mixed reception by the Santiago Bernabeu crowd, though, with whistles and jeers audible among the applause when he entered the pitch.
Benzema has struggled for form this season, scoring just two La Liga goals in 13 appearances, but Zidane does not think there is an excuse for fans not supporting their own team’s players.
“It’s true, a month ago he wasn’t playing,” Zidane told reporters at his news conference ahead of the Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg with Leganes on Wednesday.
“He wanted to get back quickly and he’s back with the squad now. The only thing he enjoys really is being out with us on the pitch, so it’s good to have him back.
“But it’s not good to see him getting whistled when he gets back. This has happened with him and could happen with others.
“What we need from the fans is that they’re with us. Of course, they’re within their rights; they’ve paid so can have opinions, but I want fans to be with us for 90 minutes.
“After the game, whatever happens, happens. But during the game I want them with us. Karim will be available tomorrow.”
Zidane went on to address the attention on Ronaldo after he was shown leaving the pitch on Sunday while looking at a facial wound in the screen of a phone.
Perhaps harshly, Ronaldo received criticism for this as some suggested a player’s looks are unimportant on the pitch, but Zidane insists he was simply trying to see how deep the cut was.
“It’s happened now,” Zidane said. “He just wanted to know how deep his cut was, that’s all.
