Real Madrid: Zidane's Clásico press conference
Check out what the French coach has to say ahead of Los Blancos' trip to Camp Nou to face Barcelona on Wednesday...
Zinedine Zidane appeared in front of the press on Tuesday morning, ahead of the first Clásico of the 2019/20 season. Barcelona welcome Real Madrid to the Camp Nou on Wednesday evening.
Zidane on El Clásico
Asked how his Madrid side are feeling ahead of this top of the table clash, the French coach was understandably positive.
"We're good. We have been playing well for some time and we are happy with what we are doing."
Here is how the rest of the press conference panned out...
On the external problems surrounding the Clásico
"The rules are the rules. They have said we have to go out together and so we're going out together. We don't have to explain anything else. The important thing is that we play."
On fear of the game being cancelled
"Never. We have to focus our energy on the pitch and believe it will go ahead. It is the only way to prepare for it well."
On banners, abuse and potential game suspension (after what happened at Rayo)
"The referee has to be calm and we have to let him get on with his job. He wants the game and to do well just like us and Barcelona. Lots is said but people really want to see the game."
On Fede Valverde
"Valverde is doing very well. The value of this club means we always have the best. He is proving he deserves to be here. We are all focused on tomorrow's game and later I will make my decisions as manager."
On worries about the game
"I am not worried about anything. We are all happy to be able to play in such a game. I remember when I played [in Clásicos] and it is a match that you live for. We're just concentrating on the match."
On Barcelona complaining about refereeing decisions (after La Real controversy)
"I don't think it's a means to add more pressure. Everyone is allowed to give their opinion and say what they want."
On the work of his team
"This is always important. We have been doing it for a long time now. We work energetically and eagerly as one, but not only in terms of playing games. We also train well and this is the consequence of that. The important thing is to be prepared...and we are."
On actually enjoying the Clásico
"You can enjoy it, yes. It's a football game. We play eleven against eleven and the substitutions. This is the most important thing. We know who we are up against. We know they have Messi but we also have our own weapons. We just want to have a good match."
On recent controversies with Gareth Bale
"That is a thing of the past. Bale is with us and is one of us. He is an important player for us and has already shown this. Tomorrow he will be prepared like everyone else. I have no doubts about it."
The game at the Camp Nou kicks off at 20:00 CET and as always you can follow the action via AS English's minute-by-miinute commentary.