Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane showed some disappointed after his team’s 1-1 draw with Atheltic Bilbao Wednesday night in the Santiago Bernabéu. However, the boss was quick to move past the result, looking ahead to the Champions League semifinal.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
Opening Statement
"“We’re talking about LaLiga, which has been problematic for us this year, particularly at home. The same thing happened again today. But we’ve also done good things this year and we have to look at the positives. We’re in for a great end to the season and we have to think about the semi-final. We’re coming into it well on a mental level and in terms of how we’re playing, just not quite so good on a results basis. Two average games won’t affect our positivity.”“We have to rest up and then we’ve got five days before the game to train well and give it our all. We’re in a semi-final and we’ll give it everything we’ve got to defend our title. We’re not going to mix anything up, we’ll continue with what we’re doing. We have to stay positive.”"
On the lack of goals in La Liga play
“I’m not worried. We’ve had chances in the last few games without scoring many but we shouldn’t think too much about it. We have to be optimistic, we can’t be looking at and listening to what you’re saying, we’ll concentrate on the positive elements. It’s only been a couple of games. We have to focus on Wednesday’s match to turn this around.”
Looking ahead to the match against Bayern Munich
“We can think there will be other players as well as Cristiano who could make the difference in Munich. We have to stay focused because it’s a Champions League semi-final and we’re defending our title.”
“Bale hasn’t got any problems. I’ve got 25 players and Bale is one of them. He’s not started and there are others who play and do a good job.”
Was it a mistake to not sign Kepa?
“I’m not thinking about that at all. If I made the decision not to bring in a keeper in the middle of the season, then that’s that. When I start a season, I start with three goalkeepers and I finish with three goalkeepers if nothing happens. The opposition goalkeeper is young and very good but he’s not my player and in the middle of the season I don’t need a keeper.”
Thoughts on Kepa’s performance in goal
“Yes, but the rest of the team did their bit too. They defended very well. The decision for him not to come was taken by everyone, but I’m the coach. I’m not going to talk about the future nor who will come or go. We have to finish the season and we’re thinking about the semi-final.”
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Could Karim Benzema play as a midfielder after struggling to score?
“I don’t know, he could play there. He could do well as an attacking midfielder but that’s not his position. He’s trying to score and he’ll keep trying until the end.”
My thoughts
I think it is wise of Zidane to brush off the result against Bilbao because after all, the La Liga title is basically already in the hands of FC Barcelona.
There is no point in dwelling on domestic play while you are still competing in the semifinals of the Champions League.
I am sure, like many fans, that yesterday’s match was just like any other match. The outcome didn’t really matter, it was frustrating to watch Bilbao park the bus for over 70 minutes, and in the end, the match finished level.
As far as Karim Benzema goes, I think it would be smart for Zidane to put him in the midfield because he certainly isn’t playing like a striker right now. The Frenchman had several opportunities to score, but couldn’t manage to come close to the Athletic goal.
It is perfect the team doesn’t have to play over the weekend as it would be a tough turnaround to play and travel within the span of two or three days.
Next: Player ratings from Real Madrid’s 1-1 draw against Athletic Bilbao
While this performance in matchday 33 wasn’t horrible, it wasn’t great either. It showed that Real Madrid has a really tough time breaking down a park the bus style defense where the opposition has eight or nine players in their defensive third.
I’m hoping and praying that we do not see as many crosses against Bayern as we saw Wednesday. It obviously didn’t work against a mid-table La Liga side. It won’t work against the German champions either.
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