Whatever Zidane touches turns into gold, says Kanoute

Kolkata

France-born former Mali striker Frederic Kanoute has heaped praise on Real Madrid coach and football legend Zinedine Zidane, saying the France World Cup winner knows how to make his team win and has moulded his side like that.

Spanish LaLiga leaders Real Madrid could go four points clear of second-placed Barcelona if they win against Granada on Monday night, and with two games remaining, the Los Blancos could win the title.

"Zizou is Zizou (laughs). Whatever he touches turns into gold. He gives them results. I don't think they care about the way they play. Zizou has been able to change the system in a very successful way. He loves beautiful football but is also pragmatic," Kanoute, who has played for Sevilla and Tottenham Hotspur among other clubs, said during a video conference arranged by LaLiga on Monday.

Speaking about the controversial VAR (video assistant referee), both Kanoute and former Spain midfielder Luis Garcia who was also attending the video conference said they back the technology and it is helping referees do their job.

Recently, Barcelona President Josep Bartomeu said 'VAR hasn't been fair and has always favoured one team'.

Zidane had said after the 1-0 win at Athletic Bilbao. "It seems like we only win thanks to the referees, and that's not true. Real Madrid and its players deserve respect."

"It is the way it is. VAR is a good tool if we know how to use it. So the important thing is, is VAR helping and I think it is helping," Garcia said.

"At the end of the day, it will come to human interpretation. You cannot expect VAR to solve all the problems. It is meant to help referees and it is doing its job," added Kanoute.