Zidane: My best Madrid

Zinedine Zidane claims Real Madrid are playing the best football of his reign after Saturday’s 5-0 win against Granada in La Liga.

Madrid stormed to a 4-0 lead before half-time before cruising to a joint-record 39th game without defeat in succession, prompting Zidane to commend his players for a “job well done”.

“It’s not easy to do this. We started very strongly and scored quickly,” the Coach said after the final whistle.

“After that, it’s always easier. We found a quick goal against a very defensive team. It’s not easy what the players are doing, but we have to keep it up. I’m happy.

“No shots against? This shows how sincere we are in our approach. You’re usually not as good in the second half after you score three or four goals in the first, but not this time.

“We respected our opponents. We’re doing well. In the League it’s not as important to not concede, but in knockout games it is. I hope we continue like this.

“My staff? I’m not alone. There are very good coaches around me and they give everything. They’re a team. Now we have to stay like this.

“Ronaldo? He’s won more than anyone else. He’s very good. Maybe he deserves more than four.

“When he retires, [his critics] will realise that what he’s doing is incredible. I’m happy. He deserves it.

“Those around him, we have one or two. His presentation before the game was unusual, but everything went well.

“Our best spell while I’ve been here? Yes, because it’s a joy every time we pick up points.

“The most important thing is what the players do every day. Now we have four days to rest until the Copa del Rey.

“Things are positive, but positivity only comes from good runs. What we want is results.

“Our unbeaten run? It’s the result of a job well done. The players are putting in a tremendous effort every game, with pressure, concentration…

“The fans having fun? It’s also important to know how to win so the fans can enjoy themselves, but the most important thing is that we’re doing things right. I’ve already stressed our sincerity.

“This Madrid like Los Galacticos? I don’t like to compare. That [Galacticos] team was very good and so is this one.

“Madrid have always had top players, the best, but they had to prove it and we did so today.

“We had a mini-preseason over the holidays and it’s very good to start the year this way.

“Rotation? It shows that all the players are important. Some will always have more importance, but my players are conveying to me that they can win with one another.

“Players must feel that they have the opportunity to play with the work they’ve done in the week.

“The good thing is that if I take one out and put another in, things don’t change too much.

“The Copa? I know we’ll suffer in Seville.”

Tags Zinedine Zidane
La Liga - Club News