Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is angry with French president Francois Hollande.

In a new book, Hollande has been quoted stating Real striker Karim Benzema "morally, is a bad example".

The statement has made headlines in Spain and France, forcing Zidane to respond on Monday.

"All we can say about a player or the players, it's hurtful. They can criticize you for your work, but you can not say weird things. It is normal that he's upset," said Zidane.

"We must see what he said exactly, but it is true that it hurts. I have no explanation. Everyone can think what he wants, but from the moment Karim has once again become selectable, it's hard to listen to what is said.

"If I'm going to talk with Holland? For the moment it is difficult because we have both a lot of work to do."