Zidane: “I don’t know if we’re negotiating with Neymar”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press ahead of Saturday’s home match against Celta de Vigo and talked about what lies ahead for Los Blancos, including the upcoming Champions League Final against Liverpool and the rumors about Neymar.

“I’m not the one making these decisions [Neymar]. I’m worried about what’s ahead of us. After the Final there’ll be talks with the club because there’ll probably be changes, but now I can’t talk about anything. Good players are always compatible. There is always chemistry among good players. I don’t know if they’re negotiating with Neymar, but I don’t believe they are because what we care about is what we’re doing now. I’ve not asked anyone because I don’t go into that. We have to finish the season well and the rest will come later,” said Zidane.

The French coach was also asked about Madrid’s chances and weaknesses against Liverpool.

“We have two weeks to give our all. You have to prepare well for the match and defend very well and then attack. We’re very good with the ball and I don’t think that our problem is the defence. It’s very solid and I’m very proud of it. We’ll play the final against a very good attacking team. We want to give everything to defend the title and try to win a Champions League that everyone wants to win,” he explained.

Madrid’s second unit has not worked well this season, as the recent 3-2 loss against Sevilla proved. It’s clear that Los Blancos’ roster is much thinner than it was last season and while the club will address that this summer, Zidane didn’t want to be be critic of his youngsters.

“Those who play less have shown character and what they’ve done, they’ve done well. The blame lies with everyone, not with those who play less and the first person responsible for it is me. In terms of motivation and consistency, we’re all in the same boat, but the person in charge is me. The most important thing is working day to day and training well so that those who play more, play well,” said Zidane.

This match against Celta will be Real’s last home game of the season.

“It’s the last game of the season at our stadium and we want to give our fans one last treat by winning the match. They deserve it and that’s what we are going to try to do tomorrow. We will give everything to make those who come to watch the last home game leave happy,” concluded the coach.