There is talk of a "duel of limping" giants. Seldom have Real Madrid and FC Barcelona faced so many problems before a Clásico. Madrid coach Zidane has to shake.
Madrid (AP) - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has admitted the difficult situation of the Spanish record champions before the league top duel against arch rival FC Barcelona.
The team around national player Toni Kroos is in a "delicate moment", said the Frenchman to journalists in Madrid with rarely clear words. "But the Clásico gives us the chance to change things." Madrid's media are already questioning Zidane as the royal coach.
After three home games and a total of five encounters without a win, the Spanish football record champion welcomes the team of national goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and world footballer Lionel Messi on Sunday at the Bernabéu Stadium (9:00 p.m. / DAZN). With 55 points, Barça leads the table ahead of Real (53) after 25 of a total of 38 rounds.
However, since FC Barcelona has not been able to convince in spite of better results, former real professional and commentator Jorge Valdano speaks of a "duel of the limping". Both teams are "on the edge of the abyss", headlined the specialist newspaper "AS".
Although the champions from Catalonia would extend the lead to five points in a win, Zidane tried to downplay the importance of the game "against a very good team". "All games are the same. Tomorrow there are three points." Regardless of the bad series, you are not nervous. "We can make a big game, we have to enjoy it," said the 1998 World Champion.
Zidane's counterpart Quique Setien sees the pressure on the big rival. "This game is vital for Madrid. Much more than for us," he said. Setién has major injury problems. While Real only has to do without Asensio and Eden Hazard and ex-Frankfurt's Luka Jovic, Setién has trouble filling his squad. Among other things, he has to do without the long-term injuries Luis Suárez and Ousmane Dembélé and Sergi Roberto. The use of Jordi Alba is also questionable.
But you have to tremble especially in Madrid: As the team has already left the Spanish Cup, Real threatens to lose all chances for a title in March, just like last year. Should he then fear being kicked out? Journalists asked Zidane. His answer: "I don't know, you have to ask someone else."
Zidane had to comment again on Saturday without Kroos in the 1-2 home defeat in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Manchester City. "If there is a bad result, people are always looking for something. We didn't lose because Toni wasn't there. It can happen," he said. Kroos is currently playing very well, "and will continue to do so".
Statements from Zidane
Statements from Setien
Front page of AS
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