Zidane backed by team-mates

Midfielder Claude Makelele has leapt to the defence of new signing Zinedine Zidane, who he feels is having a rough ride in the Primera.

Real smashed the world transfer record to bring Zidane to Spain in July but the French ace has looked visibly shaken by the hardline tactics employed against him in recent outings, and the pressure certainly looks to be affecting his game.

But Makelele feels the former Juventus player just needs to time settle into his role at the club.
He said: "It's still too early to make judgements about Zidane and his role in the team in general. Maybe he's under too much pressure at Real Madrid."

Makelele's comments were also echoed by striker Jose Maria Gutierrez who also feels Zidane needs more protection from referees.

He said: "Every Sunday, Zidane's going to receive this kind of harsh treatment, plus a fair share of kicks."

"We're going to have to protect him a bit, but also the referees should take into account the amount of fouls he receives and take more care of him."