Zidane: “I support Ramos if he wants to play in the Olympic Games”

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press to preview Saturday’s away match against Levante —21:00 CET—. Los Blancos must bounce back from their disappointing home draw against Celta last Sunday and will also need to gain momentum and confidence ahead of the opening leg of the Champions League’s Round of 16 clash against Manchester City and next week’s El Clasico.

“We’ve prepared for this moment of the season knowing that our time would come. Now it’s the toughest part of the schedule. We’re reaching the last part of the season with everything at stake, but we only care about the present and the daily work. Ever since we got here, every day is important. We only care about our next game,” explained Zidane, who also discussed the kind of challenge Levante will be this Saturday.

“They’ve scored 20 points of the 29 they’ve played at home and that proves the kind of game we will be playing. It’s going to be a tough game and we have to be ready to complete a great game,” he said.

Rodrygo hasn’t made the squad list for the past three games even though he was one of Madrid’s most highlighted players during the first half of the season. Zidane isn’t worried.

“He hasn’t been with us for the past three squad lists but we know he’s an important player for us and when we have everyone available is just so tough to make a squad list. That’s the only thing, we’re happy with him and he’s proved how good of a player he is,” explained the Frenchman.

Zidane was also asked about Sergio Ramos, whose contract expires in 2021 and reportedly wants to play in the 2020 Olympic Games.

“Of course he should go if that’s what he wants. I will support him, it’s nice to play for your country. About his extension, I just think it is an easy matter, I want Sergio around me and I think he’s calm and fine,” he said.

Zidane wrapped up the press conference without revealing if he will keep Mendy on the bench, given that he’s a yellow card away from missing next Sunday’s El Clasico against Barcelona.

“Yes, he’s a booking away from suspension. He knows it but he has to play without thinking about what can happen,” concluded Zidane.