Zidane: “I’m not asking for anything contractually, I have a deal until 2022”

Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media on Saturday, the day before Real Madrid’s trip to Eibar. It’s expected that the coach might make some rotations after several matches in a row of fielding almost the same line-up and he stated that he trusts his whole squad. As Zidane told the assembled media: “We want to keep up our good form and it’s another opportunity for us to show what we’re capable of. I’m counting on everyone and all the players here are committed.”

There is a question mark over the left wing, as Eden Hazard is almost recovered but not yet 100 percent and Vinícius is likely to miss out with illness. Providing an update on the two players, Zidane said: “I don’t think we’ll have [Vinícius] for tomorrow. He’s not well, he’s not comfortable. We’ll see for tomorrow. [As for Hazard], I think he’s good. He’s almost totally recovered. I don’t say fully recovered because he’s still missing something to play. He’s training well with consistency. I think in a short time he’ll be with the team playing. It’s a shame what has happened with him over this past year and a bit, as it’s been difficult. I don’t like to see players injured. He’d never had injuries before arriving and was always playing regularly. We just want him to be back for good when he’s back. So, I just call for calm. We don’t want to rush him back too quickly.”

The conversation moved onto contract renewals and Zidane was asked if he hopes his players with expiring deals will stay and also about his own contractual situation. He replied: “I have a contract, until 2022. So, I’m not going to ask for anything. I’m going to keep working. I’m happy to be at this great club. I’m lucky to say I’m at the best club in the world. I just hope that the players can stay and that we can keep working with them. When a player wants to stay that means a lot. With Sergio Ramos, I see him staying for many years. He’s looking after himself well and I’m not surprised about what he’s achieving.”

Finally, Zidane was asked about Karim Benzema and if he’d have liked to play with the No.9 during his career. He replied, chuckling: “Yes, of course. If you ask me then I’ll say yes. But, it wasn’t to be. Or… well, it could happen now, but it would have to be with me just walking on the pitch!”