Real Madrid: What Zinedine Zidane had to say after the 3-0 win over CD Numancia in the Copa Del Rey
By Ben Sundock
After a dominant 3-0 win over CD Numancia Thursday in the Copa Del Rey round of 16 first leg, here is what Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane had to say after the match.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
Opening Statement
“We picked up a good result at a difficult ground, against a team who fight hard and played well. I’m happy with the result because winning 0-3 here is not easy. In the second half we had some difficult spells, but we’re happy overall, particularly with the first half.”
“We struggled for a while when they went a man down. They were better than us then, but it was just part of the game. We found it hard in the second half but the result is all that matters.”
His thoughts on CD Numancia
“This is exactly the team I expected to come up against, battling and running their hearts out, with the fans roaring their players on. But I’ll focus on the result and my players’ good performance.”
His thoughts on Gareth Bale’s performance
“Bale’s start to the game was exceptional and he really radiated positivity. He played for an hour and I thought he looked to be in good shape. We are happy and want to keep moving forward. The idea is to get some continuity in the side. It is his first game playing from the start and playing for an hour. We need to keep on in this manner and get into a rhythm with him.”
His thoughts on Borja Mayoral’s performance
“It is yet another, he is so key to the squad. Whenever I need him he plays. He has not had many minutes but we have to have patience and focus on work, every time he has a chance he takes it on, he fights and that is important for us.”
Hopes for 2018
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“We just want to have six good months. The final six of 2017 were good but we struggled in LaLiga. We are looking forward. We are still in three competitions and we will fight for them right up to the last. We are going to go step-by-step and game-by-game.”
My thoughts
I am a bit surprised with the amount of credit Zidane has given to CD Numancia, however, I think it is appropriate he does this. As he is the manager, you wouldn’t expect him to criticize the opposition.
It is clear that Zizou is very happy with Gareth Bale’s progress thus far this season and I have to agree. When the Welsh forward is on the pitch, he makes plays and makes the team around him better.
I have to agree with Zidane’s point on Mayoral being a good role player. Borja simply isn’t one of those big game players. He thrives in these cup matches against inferior opponents because he can get those late goals that put the match out of reach.
However, he is not one of those guys who can go win matches for this team. That is why I, and several of the other writers, have been begging and pleading for the club to pick up a quality striker that could either be that guy off the bench or start in an important match if needed.
Borja is neither of those things, unfortunately.
While this wasn’t an impressive win, or a pretty win for that matter, a three-goal cushion heading back to home for the second leg is huge. With that match less than a week away, Zizou will have the luxury of resting the majority of his players for the match with a comfortable lead.
While he didn’t make mention of it in his press conference, hopefully, the injury to Sergio Ramos is not as serious as everyone is saying it is.
Next: Player Ratings from Real Madrid’s 3-0 win vs. CD Numancia