Zinedine Zidane has warned Real Madrid’s rivals in the La Liga title race that “it’s not over yet” after Sunday’s 6-0 demolition of Espanyol.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick, plus goals from Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and Oscar Duarte, the latter of whom put through his own net, fired Los Blancos to within a point of second-placed Atletico Madrid, and the Coach urged his side to keep going.
“I am always surprised because it is not easy to score five, five or six goals in these games,” he told Madrid’s official website after the game.
“It’s not easy, but it can be achieved with work. Once again we had a very good game, we started it well and what we are doing is not easy at all.
"I don't know if it was the best game since I arrived, however I am very happy with the team’s performance.
“We know the quality that the players have, they are enthusiastic about working. I am happy to be able to contribute something new.
“The only thing that we can think about is scoring goals and winning matches.
“The aim is to try and perform at the maximum level in every game and reach the end of the season with the chance to win La Liga.
“We know that we are trailing. We are four points behind, and that could rise to seven. It is difficult but we are doing our work and I expect a lot out of La Liga. It is not over yet.
“It is difficult yes, but not impossible. Our work is about improving every day. The Real Madrid players are professionals and are aware of the need to win.
“Only winning matters here. We lost two points in Seville and we know that we cannot lose more.
“[Maintaining our form] is the idea. We lost two points in Seville, I wasn't expecting it but football is like that and every game is difficult.
“We have to focus on our own work and play with intensity in every game. Every Sunday is difficult, not just games against Atletico and Barcelona.
“Now we have to think about Granada, which will be difficult. If we want something out of this league, we always have to aim for the three points.
“I think this work [in training] is crucial. We have had three weeks to work. The team is going to improve on a physical level.
“I am not worried about it much in matches. The important thing is maintaining fitness and the concentration and intensity that we put into games.
“Then, when the Champions League starts up again, we will be playing every three days and we will not be able to work like that.
“I am happy with these three weeks of work, and the players too, you can see that.”
