Zinedine Zidane says Real Madrid needs to score early and play smart in the second-leg
By Ben Sundock
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane was very clear in explaining what he wants from his team in Tuesday’s second-leg clash with Bayern Munich: score early and play smart. Here is a full recap of what the gaffer said in his pre-match press conference.
All quotes come via the Real Madrid official website.
Opening Statement
"“The key for us it to go out to win the game. No need to take chances, to play on the back foot, nor to do anything strange. We’ve got to go out and get an early goal. It’s a semifinal and we know the importance of the game. We know what we have to do.”“We don’t have to change anything regarding what we’ve been doing. We have to be focused and determined. We know we’re playing the second leg and that we did very well in the first leg, but now we have to show that we want to get through.”"
On the possibility of making three straight UCL finals
"“It’s incredible to play another semifinal and fight to get to the final. The only thing we’re thinking about is going out and giving everything to make it to the final. It’s what drives us all on, the fans, the club, the team want to give everything to get to the final.”"
An update on Isco and Nacho
"“They’ve trained with us and now we have a a bit of time to think about what we’re going to do. The important thing is that the players are 100%. Nacho has been out for a month, but has trained a lot. Physically, he’s looking very good and is ready. The important thing is the injuries that they’ve had.”“Physically both of them are in good shape. I don’t have to say anything about Isco. He knows what he has to do. We all want to be out there and we’ll do everything we can to be there, but without taking any risks because the important thing is their health.”"
Dani Carvajal’s replacement for the match
"“I’m not going to say whether I’ve decide or not. Whatever happens, we’re a team. We’ve got a lot of players and we can do anything. The important thing is that the players are motivated. Everyone wants to play, also as full back.”"
How important are these home matches?
"“Given the choice, I’d prefer to play every game at the Bernabéu. We’re at home tomorrow in the second leg of the semi-final and we’re proud to be able to play it in front of our fans.”"
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"“Bayern wont be worried. They’re a great club and we’re aware of that. We have to be prepared as always, putting in a big performance. I have no doubt that the opponents will come here without any complexes and have a great game.”"
Does your future as manager depend on the outcome of this match?
"“It’s independent of that. Today I’m the coach and I want to continue at this club. But it’s not important. What matters to everyone is thinking about tomorrow’s game and that’s it.”"
Comments on Marcelo’s impact in big matches
"“Everyone knows what he brings to the team. He’s an exemplary player. He’s been in this team for 10 years and has contributed to the history of this great club. He contributes a lot to the group because he’s a upbeat personalty. It’s good to have him here as a player and as a person.”"
Could Karim Benzema feature in the starting lineup?
"“He’s okay physically and ready. He’d like to score more, but he’s training and playing hard and I don’t need to say anything special to him. I speak to him like I do with all the players.”"
Does the team perform differently based on the competition?
"“It’s a difficult and complicated job. The results mark the difference and when things go a little bit bad, everyone looks at the coach. And when things go well they also say that the coach is doing something. We’re not happy about what we did in the league, we want to give more but this year has been like that. We have to accept things to work harder and know that at this club it’s not easy.”"
My thoughts
When Zizou says he wants his players to play smart, I am a little worried he will tell them to be defensive and protect Keylor Navas. As we saw in the first-leg, Bayern dominated the possession and had the majority of the shots.
However, in the friendly confines of the Santiago Bernabéu, Real Madrid needs to look to get a goal early to put this tie to bed. With Dani Carvajal absent from the lineup because of his hamstring injury, the team will be slightly weaker at the back.
Plus, with Bayern hungry to get a couple goals, playing defensively will not see Real to the final. I think it was a good decision from Zidane to not give any insights to who will slot in at right-back. This will force Jupp Heynckes to make a tough decision as to who he will want on the left side of his formation.
Next: Injury update ahead of Real Madrid vs Bayern second-leg
One of the biggest keys in this match will be Real Madrid’s defensive discipline. While I don’t want them to sit back and fend off attack after attack, they have to be careful pushing up field.
We saw the lone goal from Bayern in the first-leg happen because Marcelo was pushed way too far up. He can not over extend and leave three defenders back against a deadly attack.