Butragueño: "Everyone knows what Zidane means to us"

Real Madrid's Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño has backed Zinedine Zidane, saying he wanted the coach to return as soon as possible. Zidane is under pressure at Madrid following a humiliating Copa del Rey defeat to Alcoyano on Wednesday. The Frenchman did not oversee Saturday's 1-4 LaLiga win over Alavés after testing positive for coronavirus.

While Zidane has come under fire, Butragueño defended the 48-year-old, who has led Madrid to two LaLiga titles and three Champions Leagues among numerous other trophies across two spells in charge. "Everyone knows what Zidane means to us. What we want is for him to return to us as soon as possible," he told Movistar+. "We know what football is like. We have been around for many years. When the team doesn't win we have to listen to comments and rumours of all kinds. You have to be united and work."

Modric set to stay for another year

Luka Modric has also faced an uncertain future at Madrid, with the Croatian midfielder's contract expiring at the end of the season. But Butragueño hinted Modric is set to stay at Madrid as reports suggest the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner had agreed to a one-year deal. "There are players like Modric who make this sport better. His pass to [Ferland] Mendy in the first half was a fine thing. It's a luxury for us to have him," he said. "He's given us so much. He's still giving us so much and he'll continue to do so."