Zidane: "We haven't spoken about El Clásico, we're not interested"

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane faced the media in Valdebebas this afternoon to discuss tomorrow trip to Mestalla to face Valencia.

Valencia - a difficult rival who are hitting form: "It's another challenge. They've been playing well and getting good results, and the other day they booked their place in the Last 16  of the Champions League. We know how we are up against. We want to show the best of ourselves because we have a game tomorrow - the next game, the only one that interests us right now and we have prepared for it - as we always do, by trying to grow and a team and improve individually as players".

Madrid focused on Valencia, not Barcelona - Zidane

Security at El Clásico: "We haven't spoken about that. All we are concerned about is what happens tomorrow because it's the next game. I know that many of you want to talk about that game but for me, and everyone else here, we are only thinking about tomorrow's game".

Madrid with less time to rest than Barcelona ahead of El Clásico: "LaLiga sets the kick-off times and we respect that. We can't do anything about these things. I don't organise the fixtures calendar. It's just ended up that way and we respect it, there's nothing we can do to change it".

Bale's situation: "I don't think his role will be any less important. I'm making decisions. The other day we had three changes and he didn't play but he's one of ours, as always, he's here with us and I will be counting on him. I have 25 players and all of them are important to me. For a coach it's important to have everyone on board. That's how it is on the day-to-day. I'm here every day with them, we all work together. That's all that matters to me. Gareth is important, just like the others".

Casemiro at risk of missing El Clásico

Casemiro needs to avoid a yellow card: "The decision, the last word, is for the coach to make. I always speak with my players, I'm interested on how they are felling. Casemiro is no different to the rest. We know how important he is for us. In the end, I have to decide on a line-up thinking only about tomorrow's game - not the next one. If I start thinking about Wednesday's game now, I'd be making a mistake. We'll see what we do tomorrow. It's true I don't give much away before games. What matters is having everyone available".

A helping hand from Real Sociedad: "Three things could happen - they could lose, draw or win. We'll see. I'm sure it's going to be a good game of football and I'll definitely be watching it. La Real are having a great season. There are a lot of good teams in LaLiga - that's why we like it, and for me it's the best league there is, there is always a competitive attitude in every game. I'll be watching it just the same as lots of other fans".

Vinicius and Rodrygo rise to the occasion in big games: "Age doesn't come into it in football. In France, there's a player who is 42 and still playing. It's amazing".