Zidane was impressed with hat-tric scored by Ronaldo

 
Zinedine Zidane had nothing but praise for Cristiano Ronaldo after the Portugal star’s hat-trick guided Real Madrid to a 6-0 win over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The 30-year-old has received his fair share of criticism this campaign after a number of underwhelming performances, with some questioning his status as Madrid’s main man.
But his treble
took his tally in La Liga this campaign to 19, level with Barcelona ace Luis Suarez at the top of the scoring charts, and Zidane was delighted with Ronaldo’s contribution.
“We have got used to it that Cristiano scores a lot of goals. If he doesn’t score three, he has not done well in the eyes of some,” Zidane said at a news conference.
“It will always be like this, because we have gotten used to his goals. There is no problem if he doesn’t score every now and then. He is hugely ambitious.
“Plus he put in a lot of work defensively as well today.”
Karim Benzema opened the scoring for Madrid early on and Zidane was equally impressed with his compatriot’s outing.
“It is hard to see anything where he can still improve. But he enjoys working hard and will certainly get even better,” he added.
“It does not matter to me whether he scores the first or the second goal. He is capable of scoring and making goals. Plus he also does his work without the ball.”
James Rodriguez, who again replaced the injured Gareth Bale, also found the net and Zidane was pleased with the Colombia international’s performance.
“James put in a good performance and worked hard for the team,” the Madrid coach stressed.
“I am very happy with his performance. Not just with his display on the ball, because I know what he can do with the ball. It’s easy for him on the ball. But I am happy with his overall performance.”
Meanwhile, Ronaldo hailed Zidane’s role in Madrid’s resurgence in recent weeks after they destroyed Espanyol.
Madrid have collected 10 points from four games since Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez at the helm, netting an impressive 17 goals in the process
They proved much too strong for Espanyol Ronaldo was quick to underline his coach’s role in their good run of form.
“Zidane has come up with different ideas and we feel much better,” Ronaldo told Movistar+.
“Zidane is doing a phenomenal job. He has been doing great.
“The team keeps on getting better, but we need to keep working hard, me and the whole team. The goals are coming naturally, but the most important things is that the team is playing well.”
Espanyol were never able to trouble Madrid, but Ronaldo stressed that it did not feel as an easy game for the hosts.
“I don’t think it was an easy match. Wins come easier if you work hard,” he added.
“We will see what happens when we meet stronger opponents.
“But nothing is easy in my opinion. It only becomes easier if you work hard for it.”