Only Benzema-Modric can lift Zidane from the chair

 Only Benzema-Modric can lift Zidane from the chair

Benzema and Modric in Real jersey. Such pictures will not be seen in the next season(Twitter)

In the history of French football, two individuals have held their positions side by side. In 1998, Zinedine Zidane emerged victorious in the FIFA World Cup, while two decades later, Kylian Mbappé won the prestigious award as the best French footballer of the year. However, beyond Zidane and Mbappé, there is a distinct chemistry between them.

Karim Benzema has played under Zidane's coaching for five seasons at Real Madrid. Their collaboration in club football has allowed them to work together for an extended period, fostering a deep understanding between them. In this regard, Benzema holds a significant place in Zidane's perspective as a highly valued player. According to Zidane, only Benzema could force him to rise from his chair through his exceptional gameplay!

Former Real Madrid coach Zidane turned 51 last week. On this occasion, he gave an interview to the football program "Telefoot" on the French TV channel TF1. Zidane spoke about coaching career, Mbappé, Benzema, current football affairs, and various other topics.

Zidane(Getty)

Reflecting on his time coaching Benzema, Zidane recalled the moment when he stood up from his chair during a Real Madrid match and said, "If there's one player who can make me rise from my seat, it's Karim Benzema. Maybe Luka Modric too. When they have the ball, you might think they won't be able to control it, but no, they always manage to take the ball out of that situation."

As a coach, Zidane, who won three UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, further praised Benzema and Modric, stating, "Compared to others, they both impressed me the most. They have contributed for the fortune of playing alongside them."

Even though Modric is still at Real, Benzema has left Madrid. After 14 years, scoring 354 goals and winning 25 trophies, he has signed with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad for the new season. Zidane, however, retired in 2021 after leaving Real. Despite rumors linking him to several clubs, he did not take up any responsibilities.

But after two years of being away from coaching, Zidane's desire to return to the field has grown. He hinted that it could happen soon, saying, "I hope to be able to return to coaching quickly. I miss the excitement of coaching. I need it. I haven't had it for two years, but I am certain that I will have it again in the future."

When asked if he could be seen coaching France or PSG, Zidane responded, "No possibilities can be ruled out. I know what I want and what I don't want. If I feel the need for a break, then I'll take it. I can tell myself that I can quickly come back to coaching if I want to."

Zidane, who won the 1998 World Cup with France, bid farewell to the football field after the 2006 World Cup final. Comparing the football of his time with the current football, he said, "Football during my time was not as physically demanding as it is now. Technique could take you much further back then. Now, the subject has become much more complex. Today's football is different. If I played in this era, my body might have reacted mercilessly."