Zidane: “I have not decided who will stay”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press ahead of Saturday’s home game against Eibar and said that he has not made a decision about which players will stay in the club next summer.

“I’ve not decided, there’s still a month and a half of competitive games to go,” said the French coach when asked about the upcoming transfer window.

Real Madrid completed a discouraging performance against Valencia but Zidane said he’s not worried.

“I liked the game in general but I didn’t like the defeat. I was pleased with the level of commitment, the high press… Of course we lacked goals during the ninety minutes. But I was pleased with the team because they’re not going through an easy spell but they’re still working hard out there,” he said.

“I’m not worried, in the sense that this is what it is. There are eight games to go and we have to finish on a high. It’s been a difficult year but we have to take it on the chin. I can’t explain what’s happened in two minutes. You know about everything these guys have won. Can you bring out some numbers to that effect? I’m not just talking about the three years I was working with them, but about all they’ve won in five, six, seven years. They’ve won it all. This year is a tough one and we’re going to try and change it. This club needs to get back to winning ways, to doing great things, and that’s why I’m here,” explained Zidane.

Midfielder Luka Modric won the 2018 Ballon D’Or but hasn’t played at that kind of level ever since. He has Zidane’s full trust, though.

“People are free to say whatever they like. I feel for the people who think that. He deserves his Ballon d’Or, he’s earned it through commitment, great play, tremendous quality and everything we know Luka has. He deserves his awards and if people disagree, then I feel sorry for them,” said the coach.

Real Madrid struggled on their last home game but ultimately managed to find a way to beat Huesca. Zidane knows Eibar will be a challenge given how well they’ve performed so far this season.

“Éibar are going to come and play some good football. They’re having a brilliant season and tomorrow is a huge game for them. We’re expecting another tough clash. I’m not inside the players’ heads but from what I see in training I can tell they have real pride and want to finish the season strongly. A defeat always means one thing; that the opposition were better. But we did good things against Valencia so we have to focus on that. I’m convinced we’ll put in a good performance tomorrow,” concluded the coach.