Zidane: “We will make changes, I know what I want”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press ahead of Sunday’s home game against Athletic Bilbao and admitted that the team will make changes this upcoming summer.

The Frenchman was asked about Mbappe and while he didn’t want to list any names, it seems that Zidane knows what the club needs.

“I’m not going to mention any names. We’re looking at the future but that will be discussed when the time comes. I know what I’m looking for and I’ll speak to the club about the kind of players I want, but not now,” said Zidane.

He then was prompted about the departures.

“There’s nothing decided. I’ve got some ideas and I’d like to change things. It’s clear in my mind what kind of players I want to bring in but it all depends on the market. There will be changes and there will be alterations to the playing style as well,” added the coach suggesting that he’s going to implement a new formation.

Zidane also confirmed that Odriozola is going to miss the remainder of the season with the collarbone fracture he suffered in training.

“We’re frustrated to lose him, particularly because it’s quite a bad one. It’s his clavicle and he’ll undergo surgery this evening. It’s unlikely we’ll see him play again this season. He’s fine and I hope the operation goes well and we’ll have him back quickly. But he won’t play until next year now,” said the coach, who also revealed that Courtois could be back with the team next Monday.

Real Madrid have only six games left but Zidane still wants to finish on a high note.

“We want to win the game. We’re playing at home and we need to pick up another victory. I’m not worried, but we’re certainly training better than we’re playing. We’ve got six games left to get over these struggles and we have to make sure we’re playing better before the end of the season. We’re looking good and getting much better in training,” explained the coach.

It seems that Los Blancos will go for a complete rebuild next summer. Zidane also praised Vinicius and Asensio during this press conference and also shared his thoughts on Jesus Vallejo, who has missed so much time with injuries since he joined the club.

“He deserves to play like the rest of the guys and he’ll get a chance. We’ll see when that comes. He’s a quality player and the only issue has been his injury problems since he’s been here. He’s given it his best shot and he’s an interesting player,” concluded the coach.