Real Madrid: All hands on deck as Zidane calls up the whole squad against PSG

Real Madrid will face PSG Wednesday in what is now their most important match of the season thus far.  Here’s a look at how and why Zinedine Zidane elected to have the whole squad present.

Before the starting XI is decided by the club manager, it is their responsibility to call up the match squad from which they will make their selection. Often times, some players are left out for multiple reasons, such as injuries or suspension. This time around, Zidane is not leaving anyone behind for any reason as he called up all members of the squad.

Real Madrid posted on their official account the squad for tomorrow’s game at home against PSG:

Paris Saint-Germain also announced who from their squad will be traveling to the Capital:

Why the Whole Squad?

Thankfully, Madrid are a healthy squad apart from young center back Jesús Vallejo who was included in the match day squad along with Carvajal who is suspended. It seems odd to bring players along to the match even though they are unable to play for various reasons so why exactly did Zidane do it?

One reason for bringing on the whole squad even though a maximum of only 14 players could play would be for moral and support. Having players on the bench means more eyes and insights for Zidane to gather ideas from to ensure a successful result.

Players tend to gravitate and foster a “bro-mance” with their teammates and having that fellow player there could help with confidence and positive criticism.

Who Will Start?

Zidane will of course start Real Madrid’s strongest available XI but who that entails is very hard to predict. Take for example Karim Benzema who seems to be in Zidane’s good graces despite poor form.

Benzema has scored just six goals in 25 matches across all competitions which is not a great sign from a striker and not someone who you would want to start in such an important match.

With Dani Carvajal out due to suspension, Nacho or Achraf will fill in. In a pre-match presser Zidane had said, “I’m in no doubt about who’s going to play against PSG and all will be revealed on Wednesday. That said, the idea always remains the same: it doesn’t depend on who plays, but rather on what we go out there to do.”

Next: Real Madrid: Toni Kroos sat down with Mahou to discuss the clash against Paris Saint-Germain

We can only hope that Zidane will look to implement his masterful tactics like in the Champions League Final against Juventus rather than playing those who seems to be close with.

Until then, we must wait to see who will be a part of the squad that will be working relentlessly to topple the Parisian giants.

Stay tuned to The Real Champs for more Champions League coverage!