“We played against a top team and it was an even game”, added the coach.
Zinedine Zidane appeared in the Mestalla press room to assess the clash with Valencia: “We started the game strongly with good possession, pressing high up. We just needed to get that first goal. I can’t blame the players for anything, they really tried hard. We played against a top team and it was an even game. It’s a defeat and defeat always hurts”.
“We struggled to create chances, get shots off and come up with anything in the final third. We needed a little bit more near the opposition goal. The team fought to the end. It’s a tough spell, a defeat, but we have to accept it and think about the eight games we have left. We have to focus on doing a better job on Saturday”.
Fair result?
“I always say results are fair and I accept them but it was an even game. They got two goals against us almost out of nowhere. We have to accept that Valencia won the game”.
“This is a tough run for us, the whole season has been hard going. Today we saw the top of the table get further away. Now I need to take control of my team and get us playing better next time out. The players are ready to fight till the last and we want to end on a high in preparation for next season. We are going to leave no stone unturned”.
Odriozola
“He is doing well, like so many of these players. He competes and gives his all out there. We are happy with him”.
A test for the players?
“This was not a test, they are all Real Madrid players and you have to deal with these tough moments. That is not going to change. We faced a good Valencia side today who played well. We have eight games left and we need to fight till the end”.
Marcelo
“He is doing well, it’s Marcelo after all. I am going to count on him, he is a key, important player and I like his style of play. Next game will be Reguilón’s turn because of the ban. He is training well and keeping his focus”.
