Los 40 USA
Sign in to commentAPP
spainSPAINchileCHILEcolombiaCOLOMBIAusaUSAmexicoMEXICOlatin usaLATIN USAamericaAMERICA

REAL MADRID

Vinicius: Real Madrid stars still nervous when talking to Zidane

Real Madrid's stars are still in awe of Zinedine Zidane's achievements in the game, according to Brazilian forward Vinicius.

Update:
Vinicius: Real Madrid stars still nervous when talking to Zidane
Getty Images

Vinicius has revealed some Real Madrid players still get nervous when speaking to head coach Zinedine Zidane.

Former France international Zidane, who returned to Madrid in March after resigning in the wake of leading the club to a third straight Champions League title in 2018, is widely considered to be one of the best players of his generation.

He won the Ballon d'Or in 1998 after spearheading France's World Cup triumph in the same year, scoring twice in the final against Brazil, and won the Champions League with Madrid in 2002 after crashing home a stunning volley in the final against Bayer Leverkusen.

"You pay attention, don't you?": Vinicius on Zidane

Despite the Madrid squad containing multiple high-profile stars, Vinicius says there are times when they are in still in awe of their boss.

"When a guy like that - who played at such a high level - is on the bench and says anything, you pay attention, don't you?" Vinicius told Globo's Esporte Espetacular.

"Sometimes we get a little nervous when we are going to speak to him. He does everything for you, so you only worry about playing football."

Vinicius has not featured under Zidane during his second reign at Los Blancos, having suffered an ankle injury in the Champions League last-16 second-leg defeat against Ajax on 5 March.

The 18-year-old, though, is convinced he will be given the chance to shine under Zidane when he recovers.

"I'm relaxed because I know my opportunity is going to appear," said Vinicius. "I know that Zidane gives everyone their chance. Now we are preparing for next season."

Vinicius battling to make Brazil's Copa América squad

Vinicius faces a race against time to be fit for Brazil's Copa América campaign, which kicks off in June, and is doing everything in his power to prove his fitness to national team boss Tite.

"When you come back from an injury, you are a little afraid," he said. "But I am preparing very well so that I can play the final matches of the season and, if possible, be called up by the national team.

"I would be happy if that happens, and if it doesn't I will support the Seleçao like always."