Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was a little testy in his pre-match press conference ahead of the mid-week clash with Athletic Bilbao. Here is what the gaffer had to say and why he was angered by a question.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
On the anti-Real Madrid comments
"“It’s always existed, but I think that every day there are more madridistas than antimadridistas because it’s the best club. It’s the club with the most fans and this is growing every day. It’s better to talk about the positives.”“The issue of social networks is different. 10 years ago it didn’t happen. Today we live in this world and we have to live with it. But I’m interested in the fact that there are more madridistas in the world.”"
Thoughts on Bilbao and the match
“They’re a team that don’t not deserve to be where they are in the table. Maybe more was expected this year because they’re a very good team that competes very well. They’re a complete team that will come here to try to pick up points. We have to be ready, especially when it comes to their strengths: the second ball, crossing… We have to be switched on to these situations.”
“The most important thing for us is to try to get back to second place, which is our goal. We climbed back up to third, tomorrow we’re playing at home and we want to get closer to second place and we’ll try to put in a good performance.”
Feeling on reaching 100 wins with Real Madrid
“I’m lucky to have a top team and great players. I’m really enjoying it but I have to keep my feet on the ground. The DNA of this club is to keep winning and we’ll continue working. I’ve reached 100 wins but you have to move on.”
Is the break this coming weekend beneficial?
“We’ve had periods this season where we’ve played a lot. The fixture list has fallen so that we don’t play this weekend but it’s good as it’ll help us prepare for the Bayern match. It’s nice to have a week to prepare now and again.”
Thoughts on Karim Benzeam and Gareth Bale
“We’re all on the same side and we need all the players. They don’t come across as sad to me. They’re training well. Of course, both would like to score more goals, but they are working well. It always happens in a team where you have some players on good form and that is what happening at the minute. We’ve got very good players and I have to evaluate that.”
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“We all know Karim’s qualities and what he contributes to the fluidity of the team. It’s true that he has to score goals and he knows that. I already said that he’s not happy when he doesn’t score with the chances he has. But the solution is to keep working. It’s simply a goal drought. At the start of the season we had a collective drought and it’s the same for Karim. He has to keep working because I’m sure he’ll score soon.”
Worried about the refereeing against Bayern in the UCL?
“We’re going to do our job and the referee his. I’m not going to comment on anything because we’re going around in circles and everyone will get on with their own job.”
Will the club sign Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bilbao’s goalkeeper)?
“There was no need to sign a goalkeeper. We have three and we’re happy with them. We will talk about the future at the end of the season.”
Thoughts on Arturo Vidal’s injury
“It’s a problem for Bayern because he’s an important player. We’re upset that he’s injured, but nothing changes. They’re a team with a very good squad and great players that can fill in.”
Comments on his toughness towards his critics
“These things have always existed. Maybe they’ve talked about it in the dressing room, but I’ve not spoken to them. There’s not need to go over it again. The important thing is that we know what we’re doing every day. In general, people respect who we are.”
“I’m not here to talk every day and defend ourselves. The only thing, if I see something unfair or that we are disrespected, I have to say something. But everyone can have a say in the debate.”
My thoughts
It is still bizarre to me some of the questions the Real Madrid manager receives in a typical pre-match press conference. I have now covered these press conferences for several months and I am still baffled.
I’m impressed that there were two questions regarding Athletic Bilbao and the match Wednesday. That should say a lot.
The Karim Benzema question on repeat is, however, deserved. Like a broken record, Zidane answered the Karim critics very quickly and voiced his backing for the striker. Something clearly needs to change for Benz to start scoring goals.
Part of the blame should definitely fall on his shoulders, but the lineup or the role he has right now clearly doesn’t work.
Next: Real Madrid vs. Athletic Bilbao: Three things to watch for
I find it odd that a Kepa transfer question found it’s way in. There has been no news on Real Madrid pursuing the impressive young goalkeeper since he signed a new contract to stay in the Basque region nearly a month ago.
It really is a shame about Arturo Vidal’s season ending knee injury. You never want to see a player injured, let alone right before a big match and in training.