“We are not going to change because we won the Super Cup”, added the Whites’ coach.
Zinedine Zidane spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City the day before the LaLiga matchday 20 encounter against Sevilla (Saturday, 4pm CET). The Real Madrid coach said: “We must not change our mentality. We have to continue with what we’re doing, nothing is going to change because we won the Super Cup. We are good, prepared, the season is very long and we know the difficulties that the team coming tomorrow will pose, but as always we want to continue with what we’re doing and keep on showing what we are showing on the pitch. That’s not going to change”.
“I’m not going to tell you what we’re going to do. We all want to be involve, but the important thing as always is to be ready and you will see the players available. We’ve had some problems, but you’ll see tomorrow how we’re going to play. We’re going to play against a team, which is one of the best in our league and we have to be ready to put in a great performance”.
Guard of honour
“I don’t know if it helps or not. Everyone has their own customs and if they give us a guard of honour, we will accept it. That’s all, it’s a Super Cup, we’ve won it, but they’re going to come here tomorrow to play a good game of football and they’re only going to think about picking up the three points. We have to concentrate not on what’s going to happen before the game but during the game. We’re going to be prepared for a tough game against a very good opponent who has shown that all season long”.
Ramos
“We know the character that Sergio has. He always wants to be there and you’ll see tomorrow if he’s going to be there or not. He is an example, he is our leader, he is the reference for everyone here and he is an example to follow”.
Varane could play his 300th game
“I’m happy for him because I knew the potential he had and that he could reach this figure. In the end, 10 years and 300 games cannot be fulfilled by just anyone. I’m happy for him and I hope he can keep it up”.
Courtois
“I think he’s proven from the start and in the past that he’s a great goalkeeper. He has always been one of the best goalkeepers in the world and after some difficult moments, which can happen to anyone, he has known how to keep working and not give up. He knew the level he had and little by little he has come out of that spell and right now we are delighted with the level of his performances”.
Super Cup
“It’s a goal achieved and we wanted to get this first title. It was an important trophy already in the middle of the season and we managed to win it with a lot of difficulty, as it will always be, but it is very important to continue for the rest of the season. Right now, we know that what’s left is going to be difficult, we have to continue writing the history of this club and we hope that the end will always be the best for us. As I said before, the season is long and difficult”.
“I always tell him the same thing when I get a chance to talk to the president. He is the one who brought me to Real Madrid and I will always be grateful to him for this gesture. I’ve been linked to Real Madrid for 18 years and that’s a blessing, it’s something very big for me, so I take advantage of every day I am at this great club”.
Lopetegui
“Every moment you have to live it and do what you have to do. He’s wanted to do it big, he’s a great coach and he’s always shown it. I don’t want to talk about his time here at Real Madrid, but what I can say about this coach is that he is very good. He has always proved it and he is proving it now. I hope, that he will get a good reception, because Lopetegui is from the house. He played here and people here always receive their people well. I hope, that will happen”.
Brahim
“I can’t tell you what I talk about with my players. The most important thing is that they know the situation and that’s what interests me. We’ll see what happens later, but for the moment they’re here and I’m delighted with the players I have”.
The magic of Zidane
“I’m a lucky man in life every day. That’s why I have to thank life for what it has always given me, as a player, a coach, as a person… because I try to do well and I work for it. You may think I’m a lucky charm, but if I am, it’s nothing more than that…You may think so, it’s okay”.
Valverde’s dismissal
“I feel sorry for him because it’s not a good feeling. He’s a very good coach and I have enormous respect for him. For the coaching position, we know where we stand. Madrid, Barcelona are big clubs and nothing is going to change. I know that if we lose two matches they will criticise me in the same way as two months ago. I know where I am. What we want to do I know it’s complicated, we can’t always play well. What we’re trying to do is give 100 %. Then it’s up to you to talk about whether it’s been done right or wrong”.
