Pre-Match Press Conference (UEFA Champions League, 1st Leg): Bayern Munich vs. Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane took questions in the Allianz Arena media room to preview his side’s clash with Bayern Munich.

On the Game Ahead

I don't fear Bayern, I'm more bothered about what we do. We need to go out every three days and show that we're doing a good job of things. Our plan is to play our game, go all out and try and get the win. Our duty is always to give our all.

We'll have to get off to a good start. We're just focusing on tomorrow's game and we'll be going all out to win it. It's a different game to the one three years ago. We'll come up against a Bayern side that'll start strongly, they always do and all the more so at home. They know how to dominate a game and they always try to play with greater intensity than their opponents. We face fine opposition, but ultimately what I'm bothered about is what we do. We're a strong and well-balanced side.

On Ancelotti

We know each other very well, but that doesn't mean anything: it's not an advantage or a disadvantage. It's two good teams coming up against each other and that's all there is to it. We're not lining up against Carlo tomorrow night. I've learned a lot from him.

On BBC

They're very experienced players and the better player you are, the more criticism you attract. I've got three players with a lot of character and they're not fazed by this, quite the opposite. These are the sorts of games that they relish. In Spain people are very knowledgeable about football and are aware of the players we have at the club. They recognize how talented they are, which is also the case amongst onlookers from outside Spain.

I consider Bale to be close to being on top form. His lay-off was very lengthy and he's getting stronger by the day. I hope that he produces his best tomorrow. Tomorrow's game is an important one for him.

On Kroos

He's upset about the injury to Pepe, but these things happen. We know how important he is for us and he's very intelligent on the ball and in tactical terms. He always knows where to position himself on the pitch and he's really comfortable on the ball.

On Ramos

The messages from Ramos are important right throughout the season, he's a born leader and he shows that in every game. We're all in football to be involved in these kinds of fixtures. I'm in no doubt that if Lewandowski takes to the pitch tomorrow he'll be 100% at it. Sergio has to be smart and positive. We don't anticipate that he'll pick up a booking.

On His Own Personality

Everyone has their own personality and this is the way I am, I try to show that I enjoy my work. We're playing a quarter-final against Bayern and I'm positive and happy. When the whistle goes, I'm fully focused on the game, as we all are, but this is the eve of the game and I'm relaxed.

On Lewandowski Possibly Missing the Game

We're preparing for the game as if he was going to play, although if he doesn't, Bayern have fine players in every position. If he doesn't feature, the player that comes in to replace him will also perform very well.

On Carvajal and Coentrão

The fact that Fábio has been named in the squad means that he's available to play tomorrow. Varane and Pepe will be out for at least three weeks, but we can't help that. Carvajal is fine, but we'll see how he feels in today's session. It's a muscular problem and it's one we'll be monitoring.

On Casemiro at Center-Back

I hope that we don't need to put him in at centre-back. I trust in the two out-and-out central defenders that are currently available.

On Ribéry

He came into the national team set-up at a very young age. He's always joking around, right from his second day he was throwing things at me. I've got really fond memories of him. He reminds me of Marcelo in that he's always happy and joking about. He's performing very well here and he's an important player from them.