Zidane: Ronaldo has set the bar so high

As he faced the press to talk about the upcoming game against Alaves, Zinedine Zidane was clear as to why there was a perceived problem with Cristiano Ronaldo so far this season; that the Portuguese has set the bar so high in the first place.

The Frenchman doesn't even believe the Ballon d'Or is a close race this year with his striker a deserving winner of the accolade.
"It's always the same," Zidane began.
"Cristiano has set such a high bar that whenever he is a little off form, everyone thinks there is a problem.
"In 2016 what he has done, not only at an individual leve but also at the team level, has been incredible.
"And he knows that is thanks to hard work and the people around him."
Although Alaves aren't one of the big LaLiga names, with respect, Zidane believes Los Blancos are still in for a testing ninety minutes.
"I expect a very difficult game against a team that has not lost at home," he continued.
"We must be concentrated and focused and the players are aware of this.
"If we want some silverware to end of season with, we have to think about how to achieve that every day, not believing that some games we will win easily because that's wrong.
"All matches are different."
Nacho's stunning scissor-kick goal in the Copa Del Rey has brought him acclaim but his coach looked beyond the spectacular effort.
"Nacho is here for the same reason everyone else is," he said.
"He's a great professional, trains well and is always ready whenever he is needed."
On the Ballon d'Or, Zidane, the coach wouldn't look further than his No.7.
"I know how it works, but I've seen him all year and Cristiano deserves it," he concluded.