Zinedine Zidane has warned Real Madrid’s rivals that they can still improve “greatly” after Sunday’s 5-1 demolition of Sporting Gijon in La Liga.
The ‘BBC’ all got in on the act before half-time to make easy work of the Asturians, but the Coach felt his side, for all the positives they displayed, needed to work on their fitness, with the final third of the season fast approaching.
“We prepared well, had a very good first half, were plugged in and focused on the game,” he said after the game.
“Karim luckily took just a knock, but Gareth [Bale’s] is more serious as he hurt his right soleus.
“He’ll undergo tests [on Monday] and hopefully it’s nothing.
“[On the ‘BBC’ all scoring], it means all three are doing fine. There’s no surprises.
“They also worked well without the ball, and that’s more important because they always do damage with the ball. Their work rate was impressive.
“You can always improve, but the first half was spectacular. Still, we can improve and we will improve.
“Physically, we can improve greatly. What we want is to do is enter the latter stages of the season, when everything is decided, in good shape.
“Like everyone else, [James Rodriguez] is working hard to play games.
“We’re all in the same boat here. One or the other [James or Isco] will play.
“I started Isco and then brought on James [against Sporting].
“For me, it’s difficult to name the team a day before the game, but it’s my responsibility. I have to make decisions.
“Everyone wants to play, I understand, but the most important thing is the team.”
