VILLARREAL-REAL MADRID
Zidane: Teams go out with "extra motivation" against Real Madrid
Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane faced the media ahead of Sunday's LaLiga clash with Villarreal at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Barcelona-Real Madrid live
Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media on the eve of the LaLiga leaders' week 24 clash away to Villarreal on Sunday evening (20:45 CET).
Here's what Zidane had to say:
Facing Villarreal: "We know they're a very good side; they're organised at the back and defend well as a unit. We're well aware of what a tough match it'll be, but it's great to play again tomorrow after the game on Wednesday, because we've got another opportunity to put points on the board and that's exactly what we want to do."
Defence at Villarreal: "You'll find out who's going to play tomorrow. Pepe will be with us, and Nacho [Fernández] as well.... You'll see tomorrow. We have everyone available except for [Raphael] Varane and Danilo."
Opportunity missed against Valencia: "It was a great opportunity to pick up points; we didn't manage to do so and that's that. We can't dwell on it, because there's nothing we can do about it now. What we can do is focus on tomorrow's game, in which we've got another chance to get the three points. What happened, happened."
Analysis of Mestalla defeat: "We started very well with the ball but made two mistakes and they scored two goals. We have to show more concentration at the key moments; there will always be periods when your opponents will make life difficult. I always say that the start and the end of the game are extremely important."
Reaction after losing: "We always pick ourselves up and go again. Before the Valencia game we'd won four games in a row. We have to improve things as always, because it's long season and for every team who plays against us, it's their biggest game of the year. Sometimes I don't see the same team; I watch their previous games and I don't see the same team [when they come up against Real]. Real Madrid inspire extra motivation and we have to bear that in mind”.
Gareth Bale: "He's back at 100% He's been training at full pace with us for several days now and physically he's at 100%."
Atlético Madrid-Barcelona: "I can't control what happens there. We'll watch the game, that's it. What we can control is what we do out on the pitch.”
Keylor Navas: "I trust Keylor and there's nothing more to it. We can't control comments coming from outside and he's used to it. We can all do better, myself included. I trust him and all of my players."
Marco Asensio: "Nothing has changed. I'm very happy with him. When everyone's available, the squad is only 18 players and some have to miss out. I'm pleased with him and he'll get some playing time”.
Varane injury: "It's a big loss. He's played a lot of minutes and he's a very important player, as he's demonstrated with his performances. He won't be with us for a while, but I hope he gets back fit soon. He'll be out for a decent period of time but we have to consider that we've got other players available who are raring to go."
Rescheduled fixture with Celta Vigo: "I'm not concerned about it; we'll play it when we can. Right now we can't because both teams are involved in Europe, and we'll see when it can be played at a later date. But the important thing is tomorrow's match against very good opposition."
Follow the LaLiga 2016/2017 match Villarreal – Real Madrid .
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