MADRID – Zinedine Zidane asked journalists for “respect” in the run-up to the match against Huesca and reiterated that he does not intend to resign, despite the bad situation Real Madrid is going through.
The French coach, who was returning after overcoming the coronavirus, was very upset by the criticism received in recent weeks and passionately defended a team that last season managed to win the La Liga title.
“I am not satisfied to be asked after playing a bad game, because I do not deserve the treatment from the press. Last year I won the league. I hope a little respect. I always take responsibility and if the results don’t come, I’m the first to understand the criticism, but … “, said Zidane before suggesting that there could be changes in the summer.
“I am out every day. What are you telling me? I claim to let us work. I’m claiming this. Last year we won La Liga and we have the right to trust. Next year we may have to change, but this year we have the right to fight because we won the league last year. A little respect. “
Madrid have won just one of their last five games and recently said goodbye 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 many months to go and two titles to play. In fact, Zidane wants this weekend’s match against Huesca to be his first starting point.
“It simply came to our notice then. We deserve to end this template. There is talk of many things, about the change of coach … What will happen will happen. I always said I was lucky to be here and I wasn’t going to leave him. I will take advantage of this every day. Players want to show who we are and what I will try to do. We are not very thin. We haven’t won enough matches, but we are encouraged to change the situation. We will not lower our arms. “
Asked Zidane about his anger, the coach stressed that the predominant extremism in the environment is not good for the team.
“One day I’m out and the next I come in, then if we shoot or lose I’m out. It’s reality. It’s what you do. I accept. I get annoyed to tell you that you’re doing your job, but that we’ll try to do ours , to show our face. We will fight, but you have to respect these working people a little bit. “
ØDEGAARD
In addition, Zidane revealed that the transfer of Martin Ødegaard to Arsenal was due to an express request from the player.
“He wanted to go out and he wanted to play. I’ve talked about this three times. And he wanted the opportunity elsewhere. He knew about Martin. He told her to stay, to fight, to fight and to have peace of mind, because this is a long time. And more being a request of mine. In the end, it wasn’t like that. The important thing is that he is happy. “
DANGER
The French coach also took the opportunity to wish Eden Hazard a speedy recovery. According to ESPN, the Belgian attacker will spend at least four weeks with a muscle injury in the rectum of his left leg.
“We want to see Eden without problems, but what do you want me to tell you about the bad luck he had? Very complicated, especially for him. You have to be positive. We know the player he is “, commented the Madrid coach.
After being out of the team for a few weeks, Sergio Ramos could play again this weekend, once his muscle discomfort will be overcome, although it will not be possible to confirm 100% until Saturday. Nacho has already overcome the coronavirus and is available, but Rodrygo, Dani Carvajal and Federico Valverde continue with those recoveries.