Benzema feeling happier with greater French influence at Real Madrid

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema admits a few more French accents has helped his preseason form explosion.

Zinedine Zidane has become Real football director this summer and is working closely with Benzema.

The forward said: "Now we talk every day, either football or in life. He gives me a lot. I'm going to make great progress at Madrid working with him because he knows the place perfectly. It's good to have Zizou behind me and a coach like Mourinho, with whom I work very well."

On new teammate Raphael Varane, Benzema added: "He is very young and has great potential, he is very good. I help the best I can. I told him I'm here if there is a problem, whatever he needs."