Real Madrid vs. Kashima Antlers: Pre-Match Presser

In the hours leading to the Club World Cup Final, Zidane and Ramos appeared in the press room at the International Stadium Yokohama to address the press and answer questions.

Zidane on his Managerial Career

My plan when I came in was to bring the group together and try and win games. I'm positive, even if it doesn't seem like it, and yes, I did expect a Real Madrid team like this. Having these players makes it easier.

Zidane on Kashima Antlers

I always focus on the group. We've watched a lot of our opponents' matches and they're a team who run a lot, they're very disciplined and organised. We're ready to play a great match, we'll try and play well in the final and win it.

Zidane on Japanese Fans

It's going to be tough but that doesn't change anything for us. They're going to be supporting their team, and I'm sure there'll be fans of other Japanese teams who will get behind us. The love they've shown us has been incredible. When the match kicks off we'll be fully focused on ourselves, on playing good football, giving our all and defending well.

Zidane on Video referee

When you start something new, it needs time. It's fine to want to improve through technology but we have to be patient and wait for things to get better. Nobody is going to stop technology, football included, it's understandable. What we want out on the pitch is there to be no doubts, and that comes with time but I think it's a good thing.

Zidane on the team’s bad run following the 2014 World Club Cup win

We're aware of it, but we haven't spoken about it, you learn from negative things. We've got a week's rest after this match and then we'll work very hard because we're starting again from scratch, we know that.

Ramos on Fitness

I've been feeling pretty good after a strain from having played so many minutes, and with the intensity it requires. I've been training separately this week but today I trained with the group and I'm available to the coach just like the rest of my teammates.

Ramos on Zidane

Since Zidane has come in, the mood in the group has changed completely. He manages the dressing room very well and he gets the best out of every player. We came back in LaLiga and we weren't far off. We won the Champions League and the Super Cup. One of the key things is the way he's been able to translate what he did as a player. We're very happy, he's the captain of this ship.

Ramos on Goals in the dying minutes

I'd prefer the team to be winning and not to get to these late stages. In the last few years, these circumstances have come about. But if, as well as defending, I can bring goals too, then great. The fans will breathe more easily if we don't take it down to those minutes.

Finals go down in history. I am a fighter and I have that belief until the last minute. Madrid means we're obliged to fight until the final moment. I've been lucky, but you've got to make your own luck. We've got a great team and I hope we can clinch another title.

Ramos on the Club World Cup

We are treating it with the importance it deserves. It's a title contested by the champions of the Champions League. A title is always important. Tomorrow we'll value it more, once we've played for it. We respect our opponents, who have beaten the champions of South America, Oceania and Africa

Ramos on the team’s fitness

I've seen the team's training sessions, we're in good shape physically. We've been doing specific work to go into the game well, and I don't think we'll have any problem, despite having only a couple of days.

Ramos on Video Referee

It's a good decision, it's trying to help football. Technology will end up making a referee's job easier. It helps in tennis, I'm a fan. Perhaps this wasn't the most appropriate moment, but they're doing what they can to help and you have to respect that. In specific plays, such as offsides or penalties, we'll avoid situations like the one with Spain at the World Cup in Japan.

Ramos on the Ballon d’Or

Cristiano has won it on merit, it shows he's the best. There are two great players, Ronaldo and Messi, and it's the small things that make a difference. It was clear that this year it would go to Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ramos on Ballon d'Or votes

I'm not surprised I don't get any points. What surprises me, is that Iniesta doesn't get any. That Raúl, Xavi or Iniesta haven't won one seems ridiculous. I don't know what the criteria is, but it's to be respected. I'm not taking away from the champions, people are free to their opinions.