Real Madrid's Rodrygo: "Zidane tells me what he would do when he was a player"
Rodrygo spoke to ESPN about how Zidane is helping his development: "He shows me what worked well or badly tactically and technically".
Rodrygo Goes spoke to ESPN Brazil after Real Madrid's 0-1 win at Valladolid, a game which he started. The 18-year-old summarised his first few momths at the Bernabéu and revealed how he is learning from Zidane.
Impressed at the sheer scale of Real Madrid: "I look straight at the club crest in the changing room, I look at my shirt and think: ‘Wow! I'm at Real Madrid!’. I think it's good for me as it help me keep my feet on the ground".
Penalty in the Super Cup final: "You instantly feel that pressure, you know? But I went up there and did it. Kroos encouraged me and told me that I would score my penalty because I'd practiced well in training. I practiced taking penalty in exactly that way, but shooting a little lower. When I struck the ball, I was a bit worried - until I saw it enter and the fans celebrated. That came as a relief".
Rodrygo: "Zidane helps me by example"
Zidane: "He's a very friendly person who always chats to me and helps me with advice. He calls me to his office and shows me what worked badly tactically or technically. And what he used to do when he was a player - things that could help me. He helps me a lot".
Vinicius: "I always remember my first training session. As we were walking out onto the training pitch I asked him if he was nervous in his first session. He told me was, but as soon as the ball rolls into play you feel more confident. Vini really helped me a lot to settle in".
Reinier: "Whenever I get the chance to chat to him, I try to give him all of the advice Vini gave me. It's not embarrassing to play for Castilla - a lot of players have started out there - Casemiro for instance. And now he is an idol at Real Madrid".
Rodrygo and the national team
Full international debut with Brazil: "That was a dream come true for me. I think every Brazilian kid who dreams of being a footballer, would love to pull on that shirt. Stepping out onto the pitch, getting a first touch of the ball playing alongside all of those great players... That was one of my big dreams coming true".
Chance of representing Brazil at the Tokyo Olympics: "I leave that up to the national team and Real Madrid to decide. Whatever they decide, I'll be happy with. If I do end up going to the Olympics, I'll be very happy to represent my country".
Five Brazilian players at Real Madrid: "All five of us spend every training session laughing, having fun. We say that James is Brazilian too. He's always with us - and Modric and Kroos as well…".