Zidane blasts "absurd" and "unjust" FIFA transfer ban
The Real Madrid coach says he doesn't understand the sanction which will see the club unable to sign players until 2018, but has "confidence" in it being overturned
In a press conference on Friday afternoon, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane spoke about the two-window transfer ban imposed on the club by FIFA and looked forward to the game against Osasuna at the Bernabéu on Saturday.
FIFA sanction:
“I don’t understand anything. The club tries to do things as best as possible. I can talk to you specifically about my sons. They’ve lived their whole lives here. It’s unjust, absurd that they can’t play football. We’re going to wait and hope that the issue is fixed. I don’t understand it and it bothers me. (I’ve) total trust that the Court of Arbiration for Sport will be favourable. I haven’t talked to by sons. I’m not going to invent something to tell them. Now they can’t play because of the sanction and I’m going have to tell them why. They will have to have patience.
Appeal:
“It’s absurd and the club will do everything possible to change the sanction. I can’t say any more. Talking won’t change anything now.”
Any harm in not being able to sign players until 2018?
“I don’t think so as I’m happy with the squad. There are 24 players and that’s large. The sanction is here, but I’m happy with the squad and they’re happy to be here.”
Cristiano’s return:
“I’m happy that he’s back with us. Cristiano is Cristiano. It’s his first game in 60 days. We’ll need to give him time. He’ll be there tomorrow and he’s going to play.”
Third game of the season:
“The Bernabéu will be with us. We’ll have to go out on the pitch all out to win three points. It won’t be an easy game. Osasuna will try to play and we have to be ready. I’m happy to see every one back ready to play.”
James Rodríguez:
“He’s with us and he’s fine. Same with Casemiro and Marcelo. They’re not going to play (against Osasuna) because they’ve played two whole games and arrived a little tired. With the games we’ve got ahead of us we have to give them rest.”
A start for BBC?
“Karim Benzema will be with us and that’s important, but the line-up we’ll see tomorrow.”
La Liga the most important this season?
Yes. Everything is important, but La Liga is the day-to-day and the most complicated competition. There are 38 games and it’s necessary to win every match. Last year we lost out by one point and this year we want to win it. We’re going to try fight for it.”
Isco and Coentrao:
“Isco is almost recovered. He hasn’t trained with the group but next week he’ll be back. Fabio is different. We’ll need patience. He doesn’t have it because he wants to be with the group. There’s a plan and we’ll have to respect it.”