Zinedine Zidane was very proud of his team for a great showing Saturday defeating Grêmio 1-0 to win the club’s second consecutive FIFA Club World Cup. Here’s what the manager had to say following his team’s fifth title in 2017.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
Opening Statement
"“It is a great moment for all Madridistas and everyone who loves this club. There have been some great brilliant moments and we are witnessing them first hand. We have to enjoy today, the balance is good and we must continue in this manner. We are going home to relax, and then turn our attention to El Clásico.”“We played well from the off, with intensity. We got into the game well. We had defensive balance and possession. Our players turn it on it is very hard for the opposition. We played brilliantly and I am thrilled to have won this title.”"
On the possibility of winning the sextet
“We have that dream. We have won our fifth this year and we will keep on. Now we must enjoy, rest up and think about the rest of the season. We must enjoy this moment, it really is fantastic.”
“Our returns so far this season have been very good. That’s another trophy to follow the two Super Cups. We had to win it and we’ve done just that by playing some great football. Over the course of a season, you’re going to have some games that are a bit more difficult but that’s to be expected. In the five months of competitive action, we’ve got some good results.”
On winning eight titles with the team
“I’m thrilled with all of them because every trophy is important. If I had to choose one, the most demanding competition of all is LaLiga and it’s the only one we’ve won so far. I’m happy with all of them, but with LaLiga in particular.”
Thoughts on being compared to Vicente del Bosque
“I couldn’t have imagined it, Del Bosque was my coach. I have enormous respect for him and I’m very happy to be up there with the number of titles we’ve won. I want to carry on in this vein. You have to congratulate the players for all they’re achieving.”
More from The Real Champs
- Manchester City hold talks over Real Madrid target
- Real Madrid player confirms he is playing with a fracture
- Real Madrid superstar rejected Premier League clubs confirmed
- Spaniard ready to join Real Madrid instead of Liverpool
- PSG want €100 million Real Madrid player to replace Kylian Mbappe
On Cristiano Ronaldo signing a new contract to stay with Real Madrid
“Of course, as soon as possible. It’s crucial for us that he stays here right until the end of his career. He’s here at his club, and his home. Nobody is going to repeat what he’s been able to achieve and what he is still achieving. I hope he stays here until he retires.”
My reaction
Zidane seems much more laid back following his team’s great week of success. Three wins in a row and a trophy win will certainly make a manager very happy.
I thought it was very interesting that there was a question about Ronaldo’s contract status as I have not seen any reporter have the gall to ask Zizou his thoughts on the Ronaldo leaving Madrid rumors yet again. It seems that every year when CR7 is performing well, questions begin as to when Real Madrid will give him a contract extension.
All in all, I think the pressure is off Zidane now after he set yet another club record with five trophies in a single calendar year, while also defending the FIFA Club World Cup title which is a very difficult competition to qualify for.
If there is anyone who thinks Zidane is not a worthy coach, they need to realize how ignorant of a statement that really is. Zizou has led Real Madrid to probably their most successful stretch since the 1950’s the last two years.
Back-to-back Champions League titles, a La Liga title, and back-to-back FIFA Club World Cup titles is more than enough to qualify Zidane as an elite manager.
Next: Three takeaways from Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup Final victory