Zidane on UEFA sanction threats: "It's absurd to think we won't be in the Champions League next year"
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane discussed Chelsea, UEFA sanction threats and Eden Hazard in the press conference ahead of Tuesday's Champions League semi-final.
Zinedine Zidane spoke to reporters in the press conference ahead of Real Madrid's meeting with Chelsea in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. The French coach discussed the challenge ahead as Madrid look to overcome the Blues to reach their first UCL final since 2018; and described the possibility of his team being banned from next season's Champions League by UEFA as "absurd".
Zidane comments before Real Madrid-Chelsea
Tomorrow's game: "It will be the most difficult because it is the next one. The Champions League is special, but we have had other very important games. We are prepared and we want to play a good game and compete, which is the most important thing for us.”
UEFA sanction threats: “It's absurd to think that we won't be in the Champions League next year. Everything has been said. There is much talk about whether we will be there next year ... What we have to do is focus on tomorrow's game. There is going to be a lot of talk and we can’t control that. My opinion is that we want to see Madrid in the Champions League next season.”
UEFA's influence on refereeing: "What we care about is the pitch. The referee is going to do his job. We just have to think about playing football. If we start to think that what is being said is going to hurt us, it will mess us up. We're going to compete from minute one to minute 90. We don't get involved in the rest.”
Chelsea: “It's a semi-final, it's going to be difficult. But I don't think Chelsea is going to play a closed game. They are a complete team that attack and defend well. We must be focused and, when creating chances, we must be at our best to hurt them.”
Challenge: “Chelsea have done their job in the Champions League. It is a completely different game to the ones that we have played so far. Chelsea have experience in all competitions. We are going to have to play two very good games to get through.”
Would you like to send a message of support to Florentino Pérez?: “The president knows what I feel in my heart. We are here to prepare for tomorrow's game.”
Zidane on Kroos, Mendy and Hazard
Fight for LaLiga and the Champions League: "We will not choose. We are alive in both competitions. We have had many difficulties this year, but we have always been able to lift ourselves. There is a month left and we'll compete until the end. There is no other thought in my head. What we want to do is give everything on the field."
Militao: “Lately he has been doing well. We are happy. He has been patient and has worked hard. Each player contributes what they have.”
Kroos and Mendy: "Toni is fine and he will be with us tomorrow. Ferland, no. He is still lacking something.”
Hazard: “I do not see him with any doubts. He played the other day and very well ... He is with us and I am happy. He will contribute a lot.”
Real Madrid's reputation over the Super League: “We have a game tomorrow. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to answer you.”