Zidane: "We won't shit ourselves against Bayern"

Zinedine Zidane and Toni Kroos faced the press before Real Madrid's game against Bayern Munich on Wednesday night in the Champions League. Both men were typically cagey in their answers with Kroos praising the work done by Jupp Heynckes in his return to the club. Zidane was upbeat and answered questions on James Rodriguez but none on Gareth Bale ahead of the game.

Zidane was asked what the difference is between when he was a player and now and he said, "Nothing has changed. Anything can happen but we won't shit ourselves. I always enjoy these occasions."

The Real Madrid manager was referring to the UEFA Cup final in 1996 when hs Bordeaux side were hammered 5-1 by Bayern over two legs. He also said there are no favourites for the tie despite Bayern pushing the label on his side, which is something he never likes.

Zinedine Zidane press conference: as it happened

Real Madrid are already in Germany as they prepare for battle against Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich on Wednesday evening. Los Blancos, by their very high standards, haven't had the most successful of seasons, however, with a upturn in form since 2018 arrived, find themselves in the Champions League semi finals, just three games away from an unprecedented third consecutive title.

Champions League: historic treble?

Bayern Munich have dominated their domestic league since Jupp Heynckes took over from Carlo Ancelotti in the first half of the campaign, and opposite number, Zinedine Zidane and others, including Toni Kroos, have spoken of the impact that the former Real Madrid manager has had in Germany and the challenge that faces them in the Allianz arena. The French coach knows that success for his club lies solely in Uefa's showpiece tournament and has travelled with his entire squad for the encounter.

Zidane on: Cristiano, line-ups, referee...

Ahead of the press conferences, fans and analysts have been looking at the referee chosen for the match and the potential for key players to be missing. Questions on these topics as well as a focus on a likely protagonist over the two legs, Cristiano Ronaldo, are expected to be covered as Zidane gives his comments to the world's gathered media.