Zinedine Zidane believes the best way for Real Madrid to prepare for the Champions League Final is with the final two League games of the season.
Madrid eliminated Manchester City at the semi-final stage and are a point behind leaders Barcelona with two rounds of the Primera campaign to play, the first of which sees Valencia go to Santiago Bernabeu, and Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to be involved.
“He’ll play if he’s ok. He looks perfect. You ask how it’s best to prepare for the Champions League Final and the best way I think is the final two games we have left. It’s best to play them,” Zidane said, AS reports.
“We’ve worked to get to the final. A job well done. We fought, and it wasn’t easy. With the quality in this group you can get things done. We’re all happy, for everything it means to this club.
“We’ve got two League games left and [Sunday’s] is important. We’re behind and we have to give everything to win the match. Picking up points is the most important thing and we have to give everything. We’re prepared for that. It won’t be easy. We’re against a tough opponent who play good football.”
Zidane’s future has reportedly been decided by President Florentino Perez, though the man himself isn’t taking anything for granted.
“We haven’t won anything yet and the idea is to do the maximum and think about the day to day. We have three games and we’re going to concentrate on them. I know how it is. After Atletico, we’ll see,” he replied when the topic was raised.
“I can’t change anything. It is how it is, that’s what life is like. There are good times and bad times. I always work to improve. I’m happy with everyone’s work, and that of the players. It’s they who give everything. I’m proud of the players, the staff and the fans.
“I’ve always been a competitor, I don’t want to stifle criticism. It’s never been easy. I’ve struggled to prove my worth and achieve things and that’s what I’m doing. I’m very happy with what I’ve done. I enjoy coaching.”
Alvaro Arbeloa is set for his last appearance at the Bernabeu as he is expected to leave the club this summer, and Zidane confirmed the defender would be involved.
“He’s one of ours, he’s important. He’s a good person. He’s fought for the shirt and what he’s done for Madrid is important. He’ll be with us. He’s very professional, very serious and always was. He’ll play and then there’ll be a party for him if necessary,” he explained.
