Zidane praises Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino ahead of Champions League clash

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media in London ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Tottenham and said that his team is in good spirits and ready to face the British side even after suffering a discouraging loss to Girona last Sunday.

"We're in good shape. Following a defeat, people may think that we're not in good spirits, but it's quite the opposite. We're in good shape fitness-wise and are ready to deliver a good performance. It's a good stage on which to deliver a great performance against a strong side and that's what we've got to look to forward to,” said Zidane.

Real’s coach also praised Mauricio Pochettino, who is doing an excellent job with Tottenham.

"He's doing an exceptional job. He's doing well at a club that aspires to greater things. The results he has achieved speak for themselves. I don't think that it's any more difficult to play against a side that lines up with two or three central defenders,” added Zidane.

The match will be played at the legendary Wembley and Zidane’s players will need to step their game up if they want to deliver a good result there.

"The players are aware of where they're playing. It's a very special setting in which to play football. In addition to the stadium, which represents a great deal, there will be two very good teams on show, which is really positive for football fans everywhere. I think that I played at the old Wembley and playing there gave you a great buzz. This time round I'm not lucky enough to be taking to the pitch, it's my players' turn,” concluded Zidane.