In his first El Clasico press conference, Los Blancos coach Zinedine Zidane spelled out why this epic contest was so important.
Despite lying 10 points behind the La Liga leaders, the nature of the fixture wasn’t lost on Real Madrid‘s former player.
Asked if his future was at stake, Zidane said: “You know how it works here, this game is only worth winning”.
“I know because I’ve been a player and know the demands of the club.
“I’m not thinking about what we are going to win in the end, the important thing is to keep working well and we will see. Something positive can happen.”
Trying to take the positives from Saturday’s upcoming fixture was the theme of the day and when reminded of the comprehensive 4-0 defeat at the hands ofBarcelona from earlier in this 2015/16 season, a game in which Rafael Benitez was in charge, Zidane said: “Yes, I’ve seen it because I analyse games – but I’ve not talked about it with the players.”
With the Champions League fixture against Wolfsburg just days away and realistically that competition offering Real their only hope of silverware this season, a question of rotations was put to the coach.
Zidane was unequivocal in his response and noted that: “For me, the most important game is the match on Saturday.
“We’ll look at Wednesday’s game after the Clasico and I’ll put the best team out.
“Rotations will always be important, right up to the season finale.”
With that in mind, it could hand a reprieve to out-of-favour attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. The Colombian made clear his feelings at being left out of his club side while away with his national team, but Zidane remains unconcerned.
He said: “Neither James or anyone accepts being on the bench but he knows he is important for this team.
“He is happy here, but when you’re not going to play it’s difficult for a player.
“It’s normal to be upset. He said things when away with the national side but here he is good and committed.
“I have to make the decisions and I’ll take them always thinking about the good of the team.”
Bron: Marca
