Zidane: “I’ve never thought that Jović is incompatible with Benzema”

Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media on Friday, ahead of Real Madrid’s clash away at Real Betis on Saturday night. To start the press conference, the coach spoke of how Real Betis have had a great start to the season with two wins from two. On the opposition, he said: “We’re playing a good team and we’ve seen how they’ve started the season. We know that Manuel Pellegrini is an experienced coach and we’ve seen what he’s bringing to this team. We want this to be a good game. We want to do better than we did the other day against Real Sociedad because it’s possible to improve.”

That match against Real Sociedad finished as a 0-0 draw and Casemiro didn’t start the match, something Zidane was asked about. He said: “There will always be players out. Last time it was Casemiro. In this game it could be someone else and I’ll then be asked why the ones who were left out were left out. That’s what happens with a great squad. I believe every player can contribute something and I work on ensuring all the players are ready during training.”

One of those players is Martin Ødegaard and the Frenchman was asked what he believes the Norwegian can offer. He replied: “I know that he is a different kind of player. He can play in various roles. There are a number of positions where he can play. We’ll have lots of games so everyone will have opportunities to play. There’s tomorrow’s game and then another on Wednesday. Then the Champions League starts soon.”

Luka Jović was another individual who was brought up in the press conference and Zidane was asked if he things they can work together. He insisted that they can. Zidane said: “They can play together. We’ll have many matches and in some matches we’ll play differently. Each match is different and you have to think about that. But I’ve never thought that Jović is incompatible with Benzema.”

Zidane was asked about Barcelona too. On Real Madrid’s rivals, he said: “I want to be respectful because I don’t know exactly what’s happening there. So I don’t want to get involved in that. I think all clubs have their difficulties. But I think Barcelona will be there competing for all titles. I have no doubt about that.”

Finally, Zidane was asked about the transfer market and whether he’d like another centre-forward to be brought in in this window. “It’s always the same question!” he chuckled. “Anything can happen until October 4th.”