Zidane: “We're going to be ready for the final in Kiev”

NEWS | 12/05/2018

“We were focused from the off and put in a great performance”, stressed the coach.

Following the final whistle at the Santiago Bernabéu, Zinedine Zidane appeared before the press to discuss his team's win over Celta: “I prefer to have all the players switched on and ready for Kiev. I'll then have a selection headache to decide on a starting eleven for the final, but I'd rather it be like that. We put in a great performance and it was important we did. Training sessions can be no substitute for a match. We looked focused and played some good football from the off, we've scored six and kept a clean sheet”.

“I'm thrilled for Keylor, keeping a clean sheet. He's received criticism of late and the goals are not just Keylor's fault, it's down to everyone. Keeping them out today was important and he saved us on two or three occasions, as well as taking the quick goal-kick to Modric for the first goal, when Gareth went through to score. This kind of thing is absolutely crucial”.

Fixture list
“We cannot pick and choose our schedule. That's how it is this year, while last year we had two weeks to get ready for the final. It's the way it is, we can't do anything about it. It's not a problem as far as I'm concerned, I'm sure we'll be ready”.

Starting eleven in Kiev
“I don't know what team I'm going to play yet. I've got no idea”.

I prefer to have all the players switched on and ready for the final.

"Bale is on fine form. He is doing well and showed that today. I’m happy for him, his goals and what he represents. The key is for us all to go forward in the best form. We have one game to go before the final and we need to play like we did today. In Kiev, I will have to pick from my 24 players”.

Evolution as a coach
“I have improved as a coach since the first Champions League final, it’s inevitable. I like it and if I keep coaching, I'll keep improving I'm sure. The people I work with help me out, as does training with this squad”.

Signings
“It is unavoidable. People always talk about potential signings. All the big players want to come to this club, it is a strong club and its history speaks for itself. I am lucky as a coach to have these players and I really value all they do. Even in the tougher times. The fight, run and give it their all, but things cannot always go your way. The club values its players. We cannot control things from outside".

Europa League final
“I’ll be watching avidly, as a fan. It is symbolic. Marseille are my boyhood club. I’ll be thrilled if they have a good game. It will be tough because Atlético have had an exceptional season. They defend well and improve each year. When two teams get into a final it means they have had a great season. They are two fantastic clubs and we’ll see what happens in the final”.