Lopetegui tells Madrid: Forget Zizou

Real Madrid Coach Julen Lopetegui has urged the club to forget about the ‘phenomenal’ Zinedine Zidane and continue to create history.

The former Spain Coach takes charge of his first game on Wednesday night – the European Super Cup against Atletico Madrid – and wants to continue ‘to create history’ for Los Blancos.

“The job Zizou did here was phenomenal and the list of titles is incredible,” Lopetegui told reporters on Tuesday ahead of the Super Cup.

“However, this is now in Madrid’s past and we must focus on moving forward and continuing to create history, to keep getting better.

“We must work hard, we must believe in what we are doing and not look back upon past achievements as that will hinder us.

“I already know my team for the match, but I will not give away my team as my rival has not done this, but I have a clear idea who will be starting.

“Bale? I love being able to coach him, he has at the club for many years and has been fantastic in season, super motivated and he is why Madrid are such a great club.

“Again, the past does not matter with Gareth nor any players, selections will be upon what I see in terms of quality, attitude, work rate.

“It is the same for Karim (Benzema) – a player who I have always liked, who has worked so hard since I have arrived.”

Tags European Super Cup Julen Lopetegui
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