Zinedine Zidane has admitted that the job at Real Madrid is “wearing you down” and says he no longer wants to train for another 20 years.
Madrid and Barcelona are in a hectic La Liga title race that is tied – with Zidane’s team at the top thanks to their head-to-head record – and still have seven games to play in just three weeks.
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“I won’t be training for 20 years. I will retire beforehand,” Zidane said in a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Espanyol on Sunday. “I’m an unusual coach, anything could happen. I don’t plan anything. It’s everyday life that inspires me. How long I don’t know.
“In my head I was always a player. I played for 18 or 19 years and after that when people asked me if I would become a coach, I said no. Then I decided to become one really it won’t be 20 years, that’s for sure. “
Madrid were in good shape this month and have won four out of four games since La Liga returned, while rival Barca have already lost points in a 0-0 tie against Sevilla.
Part of this success was an impressive defensive record with only 21 goals conceded in La Liga this season, the least of all teams.
“”[Ramos and Varane] are the best couples, “said Zidane.” What they do is extraordinary. I like to play football, but defense is the most important thing today. We have an advantage with the defense we have and we have players who are committed. However, defense is not about four or five players. We showed strength and attitude as a team. “
Ramos also contributed to the attack, scoring eight league goals this season – his best record so far – including a free kick in Madrid’s 2-0 win over Mallorca on Wednesday.
Ramos and Zidane played together in the 2005/06 season. This was Zidane’s last player and Ramos’ first in the club.
“He had quality and above all personality,” said Zidane. “He wanted to win, he wanted to make history in this club. I’m not at all surprised at what Sergio did. We’re lucky to have such a player. I hope he stays with us until the end.”
Sunday’s opponent Espanyol is eight points behind La Liga bottom. You fired coach Abelardo on Saturday, and sports director Rufete is now temporarily in charge – her fourth coach in a catastrophic season.
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