Real's Kroos defends under pressure Zidane

26-year-old says Champions League winning coach is very important for Los Blancos

MADRID: Real Madrid’s World Cup-winning German midfielder Toni Kroos yesterday defended coach Zinedine Zidane as ‘very important’ for the La Liga giants despite a series of draws.

“I don’t read the newspapers or opinion pieces but it’s obvious that Zidane is very important for Real Madrid,” the 26-year-old told a press conference after the extension of his contract until 2022. “I think the coach is fully involved. His qualities are not in doubt and he acts correctly faced with this situation.”

After a dream start as Real Madrid coach, winning the Champions League last May, former France World Cup winner Zidane has come under fire in recent weeks, with four consecutive draws.

“Having a string of draws is not a good thing. Maybe during the second half against Eibar (1-1) we didn’t play well and the criticisms were justified,” said Kroos.

“But in Dortmund (2-2) or Las Palmas (2-2) we clearly played well, even better perhaps than certain matches which we won.”

Real Madrid are currently second in La Liga equal on 15 points with leaders Atletico Madrid, and travel to Real Betis on Saturday.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 14^th, 2016.

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