Zidane: “I’m not worried about the injuries, but they bother me”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press after Tuesday’s training session, the last one before the team hosts Osasuna —Wednesday, 21:00 CEST—. One of the main talking points was the team’s injuries after the club published that defender Ferland Mendy has suffered a groin injury.

“I’m going to say the same thing I said weeks ago. I’m bothered by these injuries because I don’t want to see my players out. We take care of them and the people who work here know their business, but that’s not everything that matters and we have to accept it. I hope it’s a small issue but this can happen because the games are so demanding. Players don’t get rest because they defend their countries when we have a break. I’m bothered but I’m not worried,” explained Zidane.

The reporters asked him whether the coaching staff had changed something under new fitness coach Gregory Dupont.

“Not much has changed but everybody is thinking about the good of the team. This people is well prepared who have won many things, I believe in them. They need respect, we worked well in the preseason and we needed to do that work. We’re not the only team who have issues,” he added. Zidane also revealed that Modric, Marcelo and Isco will come back from their injuries “soon.”

The Frenchman was also asked about resting Karim Benzema given Real’s busy schedule. Los Blancos will be facing Atletico this next Saturday and it would make sense to rest the attacker against Osasuna.

“We need to take care of everyone. It’s true that we played last Saturday and we also have a game next Saturday, but everyone has to be ready. We’ll see what we do with Karim but the most important thing is tomorrow’s game,” explained Zidane.

The coach discussed the situation of Rodrygo Goes, who didn’t play for Real Madrid’s first team nor for Castilla last weekend.

“Firstly, he’s a first team player and we know what we’re doing with Rodrygo. This was my decision because it depends on what happens with the first team. We’re happy with him, he’s happy here and he’ll play some games with Castilla and he’ll do so happily,” concluded the Frenchman.