Zidane: “If I rotate then you’ll ask why, if I don’t rotate then you’ll ask why not”

Real Madrid have enjoyed five victories in a row using largely the same pool of players and they’ll look to make it six when they take on Granada at home on Wednesday night. Zinedine Zidane was asked in his pre-match press conference about this next opponent and the difficulties they pose. He said: “It’s a very very important match because this is a team that’s having a very very good season. We know we’re facing a very tough opponent tomorrow. There is not a single easy match in this league, but even more so tomorrow against this team that’s playing so well. When you play against a team that defends more, it’s more difficult. When you face teams that attack, it can be easier with more space. But, I don’t think Granada will defend very deep tomorrow. This is a team that also knows how to play football and attack.”

Asked about his lack of rotations in recent weeks, Zidane started chuckling. He replied: “You make me laugh, in a good way though. If I make rotations then you ask why I’m making them. If I don’t then you ask me why I’m not. The team is playing well and the players are prepared. Given that there are so many matches, they’ll all have to be ready for when it’s their turn to play. But, I’m counting on all my players. With some more than others, but I’m counting on them all.”

Refereeing controversy was brought up, following the no-call on Sergio Ramos’ handball against Eibar, and Zidane was asked for his thoughts on Ronald Koeman’s criticism of VAR. On that, the coach said: “It’s true that there’s a lot of talk when something happens to us, that just happens with Real Madrid. It’s annoying because I never get involved in the refereeing. The referees are part of the game. They can make mistakes, like the players and like all of us in life. With respect to the comments from Koeman, I’m not saying anything as I’m just thinking about tomorrow’s game.”

With this Tuesday being the day that the Christmas Lottery was held in Spain, Zidane was asked which player he would sign for the club had Real Madrid possessed the winning ticket. He said: “Well, I’d like the money to be kept for another thing. The situation is complicated. So, we’re not going to ask for anything.”

Finally, he offered his thoughts on Iker Castillas’ return to the club in a directorial role: “We know the person he is and what he has done, what he is for Madridismo. It’s good news that he’s back at his club. I’m happy for him and for the club.”

The coach also confirmed that Luka Modrić is out of this midweek game through injury, but that Isco should be back.