Zinedine Zidane met the journalists as usually when the match day arrives. This time, besides the questions about the Cadiz vs Real Madrid clash, he also had to deal with the delicate situation of his club, which has been lately involved in the Super League issue in accordance with the ideas of President Perez. However, the Real Madrid boss did not want to get involved in the conversation about the European Super League. Instead, the Frenchman made clear in his press conference before the game against Cadiz, that this is an issue for club president Florentino Perez to deal with.
"That's a question for one person: the president! I'm here to talk about the game, not to talk about other things. The rest is not my job." - Zidane said during Tuesday's pre-match press conference when asked about the European Super League.
Another journalist tried to get something out of Zidane with regard to the European Super League proposal, but he stood firm. "I'm not going to give you my opinion. Maybe you say that I don't get involved and that's true, because what I like to do is coach." - he stated.
A slightly related question was about the possibility of Real Madrid being expelled from the current edition of the Champions League and if the players are concerned. To that, Zidane replied: “No, we’ve not spoken about that at all. We’ve only spoken about tomorrow’s match. I’m not stupid, and I know we have all the matches that follow. But, it’s about tomorrow. It’s another opportunity.”
Some argue that Real Madrid's thoughts are already starting to turn towards the first leg of the club's Champions League semi-final tie against Chelsea, which takes place at Valdebebas next Tuesday, but that does not seem to be the case.
"I don't agree. We've been here for eight months and everything has happened. I was on the verge of the sack, the players were worthless... And that's never the case. The important thing is that we are alive." - Zidane commented.
He continues:
"We're competing, which is what we like, and we're going to compete until the last day. Whatever happens, we're going to compete until the last day. I don't know if we're going to win, but we're going to give it all we've got. We are encouraged by the competition. I was talking about the [physical] limit and now you are, but we can always go further."
Zidane was asked about any possible unexpected absentees ahead of Wednesday's match against Cadiz at the Estadio Ramon de Carranza.
"There won't be Hazard and there won't be Kroos. If Hazard isn't here, he's not at 100 percent. The important thing is that, when he comes back, he's 100 percent. Eden's feeling is not the same and we have to be very attentive. He won't be there tomorrow." - he responded.
Hazard has been out since 13 March against Elche when he made an ill-fated substitute appearance after being out with an injury since 30 January. The Belgian immediately suffered a new issue and has been out since. There was talk he could return against Getafe, but Zidane elected not to bring him back against a physical opponent. But since Hazard isn’t playing against Cadiz, Madridistas are now worried about yet another setback for the winger.
As for Kroos, he has been overworked this season, just like Modric. Kroos did not play against Getafe, and credit to Zidane for not caving and bringing him back in the match. We saw Kroos enter a match after initially having a day of rest earlier this season in the come-from-behind win over Elche. But there was no Kroos to save Real from a 0-0 draw.
Looking ahead to the Cádiz match, Zidane added: “We know there’s not long left until the end of the season. They defend very well. We’re not at limit, we’ll always push the limits. We’ll give all our energy. Some players obviously can’t play tomorrow, but we’ll try to put out a competitive team and try to win the match. We’ll fight to the end of the season, I guarantee that.”
The coach also confirmed that Dani Carvajal and Raphaël Varane are finally ready to return and they may see the green pitch against Cádiz. Benzema also travelled to Cádiz. The Frenchman, who has netted against 34 of the 35 teams he has faced in the league, could set a new record by becoming the first player to score against all 35 teams he has faced in LaLiga. The only player to come close to the Frenchman's tally would be Hugo Sánchez (33 out of 33).
Real Madrid lost to Cadiz 1-0 earlier in the first half of the season. Now they are having a good moment and are away from the bad form they had when they played the first match against Cadiz, but however Real Madrid must avenge now the loss without the likes of Kroos, Hazard, and Modric. The task for Zidane’s men is to step up to the challenge as there is no place for mistakes. It’s up to the other players to substitute the senators that are missing and they must give their best. Some players have definitely stepped up this season, such as center back Eder Militao. But others, such as Alvaro Odriozola and Mariano Diaz, are still struggling.
About Cádiz:
The Andalusians are having a superb season on their return to the Primera División. They currently sit nine points above the relegation zone going into matchday 31 and will no doubt be a stern test for the Whites. Cádiz clicned victory at the Di Stéfano, drew at the Camp Nou and have only lost one of their last six games (three wins and two draws). Former Real Madrid player Álvaro Negredo is the top scorer for Cervera's side with seven goals.
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