Zidane: “I subbed Ronaldo for his own good”
The Real Madrid coach says he stands by his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo during his side’s 2-2 draw with Las Palmas “whether he understands it or not.”
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane spoke with the press ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund (Tuesday 20:45 CEST) this week and spoke about his decision to substitute Cristiano Ronaldo while leading 2-1 away at Las Palmas on Saturday evening. Real Madrid ultimately lost the lead and drew the match 2-2, their second draw in less than a week.
Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted for his own good
“Everything’s fine,” he said. “It’s not only Cristiano that gets angry; it’s everyone that steps out onto the pitch.”
Zidane made clear he resolutely stands by his decision. “It is what it is, whether he understands it or not. I took the decision for his own good,” he said. “Nothing will change. I’m not stupid and he’s an intelligent man. We both want the same thing.”
Even the BBC can be rotated
Cristiano’s substitution and the decision to start Álvaro Morata ahead of Karim Benzema has cast doubt over the BBC’s ‘untouchable’ status, but Zidane says that rotation is important throughout a long season.
“I rotate because a player who never plays won’t be match fit. You can need them at any moment. I’m not stupid and I’ll always put out my best side, then you can make three changes,” he added.
Zidane expects a tough match against Borussia Dortmund
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Zidane expects Borussia Dortmund to be a tough match for his side this week but maintains that his side won’t change their playing style.
“No, I’m not thinking about what has happened on the pitch in the past. This is a different game. It will be tough but we’ll go out to play our football. We’re Real Madrid and we want to win every game,” he said.