Zinedine Zidane agrees the Champions League is ‘special’ for 10-times winners Real Madrid, and discussed Marcelo’s dislocated shoulder.
The left-back was injured against Granada and initially ruled out of the Round of 16 tie against Roma, only to make a quick recovery and join the squad, but Zidane was cautious over his chances of playing.
“He’ll only play if he’s 100%. We’ll see what happens. He needs to sleep well and then we’ll see,” AS quotes Zidane as saying.
“I think he will play but for a competition and a game such as this you have to be 100%.”
The game at Roma will be Zidane’s competition debut as a trainer, having won the trophy in 2002 and been Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant in the Decima year of 2014.
“It’s a special competition for the club, for me and especially the players,” Zidane acknowledged.
“We know the special history we have with the Champions League. What’s most important is that we’re prepared, and we are. We’re physically good. We’ll give everything.
“I was focused when I debuted in the Champions League and I’m focused now. This is what’s most important to me. I see a very involved and committed team.
“When I see that, I’m more relaxed. Now the only pressure I have is the Champions League match.”
