MADRID – Zinedine Zidane asked journalists for “respect” in the run-up to the game against Huesca and reiterated that he is not considering stepping down despite Real Madrid’s dire situation.
The French coach, who returned after conquering the coronavirus, was very upset by the criticism of recent weeks and passionately defended a side that won the La Liga title last season.
“I’m not happy to be asked after playing a bad game, because I don’t deserve that treatment from the press. Last year we won the competition. I hope a little respect. I always take responsibility and if the results don’t come I’ll be the first to understand the criticism, but… ”said Zidane before suggesting changes could take place in the summer.
“I am gone every day. What are you telling me. I justify myself so that they make us work. I declare myself in that. Last year we won La Liga and we have the right to trust. We may have to change next year, but this year we have the right to fight because we won the competition last year. A little respect “.
Madrid have won just one of the last five games they’ve played and recently bade farewell to their chances of winning two titles by falling in both the Super Cup semi-finals against Athletic Bilbao and the Copa del Rey against Alcoyano.
The Frenchman is aware that the season is very irregular, but asks to remember that there are still many months to come and two titles to play. In fact, Zidane wants this weekend’s game against Huesca to be a first starting point.
“The most important thing is to concentrate. We deserve to conclude with this template. There is a lot of talk about changing coaches … What will happen will happen. I’ve always said I’m lucky to be here and I’m not leaving. I will take advantage of this every day. The players want to show who we are and what I’m going to try to do. We are not very thin. We have not won enough games, but we are encouraged to change the situation. We are not going to lower our arms ”.
When he asked Zidane about his anger, the coach stressed that the prevailing extremism in the area is not good for the team.
“One day I’m out and the next day, and if we tie or lose, I’m out. It’s reality. It’s what you do. I accept it. I get mad to tell you you’re doing your job , but that we’re going to try to do ours, that’s to show the face. We’re going to fight, but you have to have a little respect for these people who work. “
ØDEGAARD
In addition, Zidane revealed that Martin Ødegaard’s transfer to Arsenal was due to an explicit request from the player.
“He wanted to go out and he wanted to play. We talked about it three times. And he wanted to get the chance somewhere else. He knew about Martin. He told him to stay, fight, fight and have peace of mind because this is a long time. And more is a request from me. In the end it wasn’t. The most important thing is that he is happy ”.
DANGER
The French coach also took the opportunity to wish Eden Hazard a speedy recovery. As reported by ESPN, the Belgian attacker will spend at least four weeks with a muscle injury to the rectum of his left leg.
“We want to see Eden without a hitch, but what do you want me to tell you about the bad luck she’s been through? Very complicated, especially for him. You have to be positive. We know the player he is, ”said the Madrid coach.
After being out of the team for several weeks, Sergio Ramos could play again this weekend once his muscle discomfort has been overcome, although it won’t be possible to confirm 100% until Saturday. Nacho has already conquered the coronavirus and is available, but Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde are continuing their respective recovery.