Real Madrid have coolly lapped up five victories in a row using largely the same pool of players and they’ll look to make it six when they take on Granada at home on Wednesday night.
Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane was asked in his pre-match press conference about this next opponent and the difficulties they pose.
He said:
“It’s a very very important match because this is a team that’s having a very very good season. We know we’re facing a very tough opponent tomorrow. There is not a single easy match in this league, but even more so tomorrow against this team that’s playing so well. When you play against a team that defends more, it’s more difficult. When you face teams that attack, it can be easier with more space. But, I don’t think Granada will defend very deep tomorrow. This is a team that also knows how to play football and attack.”
Asked about his lack of rotations in recent weeks, Zidane started chuckling and replied:
“You make me laugh, in a good way though. If I make rotations then you ask why I’m making them. If I don’t then you ask me why I’m not. The team is playing well and the players are prepared. Given that there are so many matches, they’ll all have to be ready for when it’s their turn to play. But, I’m counting on all my players. With some more than others, but I’m counting on them all.”
Refereeing controversy was next brought up, following the no-call on Sergio Ramos’ handball against Eibar, and Zidane was asked for his thoughts on Ronald Koeman’s criticism of VAR. On that, the coach said:
“It’s true that there’s a lot of talk when something happens to us, that just happens with Real Madrid. It’s annoying because I never get involved in the refereeing. The referees are part of the game. They can make mistakes, like the players and like all of us in life. With respect to the comments from Koeman, I’m not saying anything as I’m just thinking about tomorrow’s game.”
This Tuesday being the day that the Christmas Lottery was held in Spain, Zidane was queried on which player he would sign for the club had Real Madrid possessed the winning ticket. To this he diplomatically replied:
“Well, I’d like the money to be kept for another thing. The situation is complicated. So, we’re not going to ask for anything.”