Pepe: Let Zidane work

Pepe believes Real Madrid Coach Zinedine Zidane will become ‘one of the best in the world’ but needs to be allowed to get on with his work.

The defender appeared at the pre-Roma Press conference and discussed Zidane and the club’s situation as well as the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 tie.

“Zidane has contributed many things. First, teamwork. The second to not wear ourselves out on things that aren’t part of football,” Pepe noted, AS reports.

“He has been a player and he knows what the player wants and thinks on the field.

“And then, the union of the group. In the last match we saw the union of the fans. He’s been a legendary player at this club and around the world.

“Now you have to let him work quietly because he will be one of the best coaches in the world and will win a lot of trophies, I have no doubt.

“Everyone who wants to win has to defend themselves, with respect to our Coach. First is the President, then the Coach, then the doctors and then us. We have to respect him and do what he asks.”

Pepe, who confirmed he would shake hands with former Barcelona rival Seydou Keita, was asked what it means to him to be one of the captains of Madrid, having been at Santiago Bernabeu since 2007.

“To wear this shirt has been a dream come true for me. I try to do my best for Madrid, as if it was my home,” he replied.

“I attempt to defend the shirt because the club has given me a lot and I have a lot of affection for Madrid.”

Tags Pepe Zinedine Zidane
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