Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane calls for the fan’s support ahead of the Bayern Munich second leg
By Ben Sundock
Following Real Madrid‘s 2-1 win over Leganés Saturday in La Liga, manager Zinedine Zidane was again quick to look past the league match to the Champions League. Here is what the gaffer had to say after the win.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
Opening Statement
"I’m pleased with the attitude of players today with ten changes, guys who haven’t had much playing time. The attitude was exemplary. It was a fantastic first half and we dropped off a bit in the second, but we took the three points. We can’t be happy with our performance in LaLiga overall. We dropped too many points early on but we have improved. Now we have to go back to work because it’s the biggest game of the year on Tuesday.”“I don’t know how significant the first-leg advantage will be in the Champions League. We know what happened against Juve and last year against Bayern as well. We need a huge performance, we must play better than we have done all year if we’re to qualify. We’re ready. We’re going to give it all we’ve got to make it to the final.”"
Looking ahead to the match against Bayern Munich
“They’ll come here with nothing to lose. We’ll have to put in a huge performance and we’ll need the support of our fans, more so than ever, because they know what we’re playing for. The fans have always been behind the team and we want them there more than ever before to help us make it to the final.”
Is there pressure heading into the huge second leg clash?
“It’s the penultimate game in the Champions League. We played a positive match in the first leg, particularly when you look at the result. We’ve won everywhere away from home and now we have to win on our patch. We’ll need absolute determination.”
“I thought Benzema performed as he always does. Perhaps he could try smiling a bit more to prove that he’s OK, but that’s just the way he is. I wasn’t one to smile much as a player, but I think he’s fine. I’m not in the slightest bit concerned. The problem is that a player’s standing doesn’t matter to me, all of them are important. I have to decide and pick which players play and who’s on the bench. He still remains a player who has a lot to offer.”
Thoughts on Gareth Bale’s game
“He has to continue doing what he’s doing: working hard. He did well today.”
Nacho’s status and addressing the wing-back role
“Lucas Vázquez is an option. Nacho isn’t back training with the rest of the squad as yet and I think it’ll be difficult for him to play any part. We’ll have to have a look at it, but I don’t think it’s likely.”
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Thoughts on Casemiro playing as a center back
“He filled in there to give Sergio and Varane, who wasn’t 100%, a rest. The only option was to play Casemiro with Jesús, but it’s not a pairing that I’m really looking to field again.”
Thoughts on Dani Ceballos’ game
“I’m happy with his performance. He put in a great display. He hasn’t had a lot of game time this year and indeed hasn’t made the squad on many occasions, because when they’re all available, it’s tough to decide between them. It’s the worst part of being a coach, having to make those decisions.”
Thoughts on Achraf Hakimi’s game
“He’s very young, this is his first season with the first team and we need to take things slowly with him. We’ll have to see what we do on Tuesday night. He played well out there today. This year he has played less than expected, but we’re happy with him and everything that he’s learning.”
My thoughts
This was yet another match that held no importance for Real Madrid and it showed. Zizou made 10 changes after the midweek win at Bayern Munich in the Champions League and the manager didn’t have a whole lot to say about the match afterward.
While he did address a few specific players’ performances and some tactical questions, it is clear the gaffer is completely focused on the upcoming match on Tuesday.
As we have made mention to several times here on The Real Champs, the last silverware Los Blancos can pull in is the UCL trophy for the third year in a row. The best Real can do in the domestic league is beat out cross-town rivals Atletico Madrid for second place.
This, of course, is nothing more than a consolation prize.
Next: Mateo Kovacic shows his worth again in win over Leganés
I thought both Gareth Bale and Dani Ceballos were very good in the match as they both were very active in terms of getting touches on the ball and attacking Leganés. My one criticism is that Dani was pretty inaccurate when he had shots on goal.
While he got himself into the right places to take shots, he simply couldn’t come close to finding the back of the net.
It will be very interesting to see what Zizou decides to do with his lineup on Tuesday for the second-leg as he deals with the injuries to Dani Carvajal and Isco.