The coach speaks ahead of Madrid’s away match against Brugge.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane talked to the press ahead of Wednesday’s match against Brugge in the Champions League Group Stage. The outcome of this game will not change a single thing, so the French coach will almost surely make some rotations. Zidane was asked about Hazard’s injury and was optimistic about his recovery.
"I don’t think he will need surgery but I don’t know for sure. What I can say right now is that this injury is under control. I hope it’s less than expected because what we need right now is to be patient. I hope he comes back soon," said Zidane.
Zidane admitted that it’s time for some of Real’s reserves to play.
"Today will be a game for them. We will see the XI today, but it’s time for some of our players to be on the pitch," he added.
Young prospects like Jovic, Militao or Brahim need minutes and tomorrow will be a good opportunity for them to prove their worth.
Casemiro didn’t get much rest so far this season and the match against Brugge would be a fine chance for Zidane to find him some rest. The Frenchman didn’t want to confirm that, though.
"We know what Case is doing, we talk many times. He’s played many minutes, a coach has to choose, make the squad list and think about tomorrow’s game. Then we will see what happens. Other players have been on the pitch a lot too, like Ramos, Kroos or Varane, because you also need to consider the national teams. We can’t do anything about that, though," explained the coach.
Zidane wanted to wrap this press conference up by saying that he still wants to take this game seriously.
"I’m expecting a tough game. They are competing for the third spot and want to go through, but for us this is a Champions League game and not a friendly, we want to win. They proved at the Bernabeu that they play good football, but we will try to win. We want to keep our momentum going, there’s always something at stake, even our reputation. We want to keep playing well and to the real things. If we think otherwise, then we’re wrong," concluded Zidane.