Zidane: 'We have three finals in La Liga and one in the Champions League'
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane confirmed that Pepe will not play against Sevilla at the Bernabéu, and that he is delighted with Benzema's contribution.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane spoke to the press ahead of his team’s match with Sevilla on Sunday evening. The Frenchman is eager to ensure that Madrid’s victory in the Champions League semi-final does not distract from the conclusion of the La Liga season, and confirmed that Pepe will not form part of the squad.
Real Madrid's final home match
The visit of Sevilla will be Real Madrid’s final home game of the season. “It’s another chance for us to keep going with what we’ve been doing,” said Zidane, “I think the public deserve that, they will be with us until the last minute… it’s a match that is equally as important as the others, and we’ll do everything possible to get the three points.”
Although he was reluctant to get ahead of himself, the double is clearly on Zidane’s mind.
“Maybe we have a better chance than ever, because we’re closer than ever. But there are four games still to go, we haven’t achieved anything yet. We’re close, but we haven’t won anything. We want to keep up the good work and focus on what is still to come – three finals in the league and one in the Champions League.
Asked if Sevilla will be a difficult opponent, Zidane replied: “The three games are all very difficult. Sevilla have been a constant at the top end of the table, and they are a very good team. But all three matches will bring their complications. We can see what Celta are doing, and Málaga are in an impressive run of form.”
Zidane will continue rotating
Zidane insinuated that he will continue to rotate his squad: “I will pick a team tomorrow and on Wednesday [against Celta] there will be changes.”
Yet he rejected the idea that his team is mentally tired following a stretch of key matches, “Not at all, we’re well physically and mentally”
Karim Benzema impressed as Real Madrid progressed to the Champions League final in Cardiff, despite a loss against city rivals Atlético.
“I’m happy for him,” Zidane said, “because of all that was said about him. I’ve known him for a long time and I know what a good player he is. People demand that he scored goals, but I’m more interested in what he does with his team-mates, how he links up. For scoring goals, we have Ronaldo, Morata…”
Pepe won't take part
One player who will not be involved is Pepe, whose career at the Bernabéu looks to be drawing to a close.
“His career has been tremendous, spectacular at this club. He has been fantastic for ten years. He can’t tell you what will happen next season, I’m concentrating on tomorrow. Pepe won’t be involved tomorrow because his ribs have flared up. He’s training with us, but he isn’t fit enough to play.”
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