Zidane speaks about James, Cesc, Asensio, Mariano and La Liga
Real Madrid ran out 5-3 winners over Stade de Reims in the annual Trofeo Bernabéu match last night. After the game, manager Zinedine Zidane spoke to the press.
Real Madrid ran out 5-3 winners over Stade de Reims in the annual Trofeo Bernabéu match last night. After the game, manager Zinedine Zidane spoke to the press:
On tonight's opponents Stade de Reims: "They put in a good performance. They're a team looking to gain promotion to the top flight and they played well and scored three goals. Perhaps that was down in part to our errors, but also to their attacking ability".
Things to change: “It is clear that when you concede three goals at home then certain things have not gone the way you wanted, but that is all part of the preparations. We have not conceded many goals this pre-season and the most important thing was to see the players in action and to win the game. We have no more friendlies so now we focus on the first La Liga game...and we are ready to play”.
James: “James is here, I am happy with how he played and he will be staying here. I will always respond in the same way to that, I'm tired of having to give a response. My stance is not going to change”.
The squad: “We are going to wait till the 31st but I don't think anyone else will come in. The squad is complete, but anything can happen. I am happy with the squad and with the players we have. I'm not sure if I've convinced you but that is that”.
Least spent on transfers in 15 years: "It's not always necessary. Regardless of what happens, I hope to be here in a year's time and I'll say the same thing. I'm happy with the players I've got, these same players won the Champions League. What I want us to do is to work hard all year round, because you don't just win things because you're Real Madrid. You have to work and that's all I want from the players".
Cesc: “If you want to put another central midfielder into the mix then it becomes complicated. Cesc is a great player but it is not straightforward. I am going to end up with a squad where three or four players do not get selected. You see what I mean? It's difficult”.
Asensio: "He knows what he's going to get here and all the players know the situation. I'm not going to mislead anyone. I'm going to put out the best team in every game. I have a great squad which we need if we're to have a good season".
Mariano: "We'll have to see. For the time being he's here with us. He's a Madrid player. He hasn't be unveiled as a signing because he's come up from Castilla. We'll see what happens between now and 31 August, but right now he's here with us and he's happy to be so".