Zidane admits Real's "delicate" situation in front of Clásico

Madrid (dpa) - Coach Zinédine Zidane of Real Madrid has admitted before the league top duel against arch-rival FC Barcelona that the team around national player Toni Kroos is in a "delicate moment".

"But the Clásico gives us the chance to change things," the Frenchman told journalists in Madrid. After three home games and a total of five encounters without a win, the Spanish record champions welcomed 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.

Although the defending champion would extend the lead to five points in a win, Zidane tried to downplay the importance of the encounter "against a very good team". "All games are the same. Tomorrow there will be three points," said the world champion in 1998. Despite the bad series, you are not nervous. "We can make a big game, we have to enjoy it."

Since they were already eliminated in 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 "Zizou". 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, we are always looking for something. We did not lose because Toni was not there. It can happen." Kroos is currently playing very well, "and will continue to do so."

Statements from Zidane