Zidane rules out new arrivals: "I've got nothing against Kepa"
The Real Madrid coach spoke about the transfer window: "It annoys me when people say I've got my way. My idea, and the club's, was not to change things too much".
Zinedine Zidane faced the media to preview tomorrow's Copa del Rey quarter final return leg against Leganés. Apart from the game, the Madrid coach was asked about the team's return to form, Sergio Ramos' fitness and the decision not to sign Athletic Club goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Zidane's pre-match press conference
What do Madrid need to do tomorrow to book their place in the semi-finals? “First we need to think that the tie is not over. We know that Leganés are a side who never surrender, who will battle right up until the end. We have to do the same as what we did in the first leg - keep a clean sheet and score”.
Cristiano criticized for looking at his gashed eye with the doctor's mobile phone: “We've no control over what other people say or talk about. He took the mobile just to see how bad the cut was, if it was big or small, to see whether he could continue playing. As it turned out, it was quite a deep cut and he couldn't carry on. As for the comments, neither Cristiano nor any of us can anything about that”.
Players' attitude counts more than the system, says Zidane
You've reverted back to a 4-3-3 system. Do you think playing like Asensio or Isco could become stale if they're left out too long? They might think they won't feature against PSG... “I don't think so because that's not the case. As I explained after the Depor game - we are always going to make changes to the side, the formation is not what matters to me - but attitude does matter. We could play a 4-4-2 for example, like we did against Sevilla, and we put five goals past them. The other day we played 4-3-3. We have used the rhombus formation a lot and it's usually worked well for us… I'm not going to change how we prepare for our games. You're talking about the PSG game and that's a long way off. A lot could happen between now and then. All that I am concerned with is tomorrow's match, then Saturday's game - that's how we are approaching things”.
Kepa renewed with Athletic. Did you have him in mind as a reinforcement for June? “Well, there are players who potentially could come here in June if the club's strategy changes, in accordance with the coach. In June, sure - but my idea, and the club's was to not change things too much. It annoys me a little when I heard people say I've got my way. My everyday concerns involve only my players, Real Madrid players and the work I do with them. Everything outside of that doesn't bother me and I don't want to talk about players who are not at Real Madrid; the other day I was asked my thoughts on a player and… as I am obliged to speak, I explained a little about how I felt. I'm only interested in my players, the ones who are here and it's my job to protect them. I've got nothing against Kepa or any other player".
Ramos. "Sergio is available for the Leganés game. He's in the squad, later, we'll see if he figures or not".
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| Upcoming matches |
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