Real Madrid Are Underestimated, Says Zidane

Zinedine Zidane spoke to the press on Monday ahead of Real Madrid’s first leg against Liverpool on Tuesday.

The French coach was asked whether he felt Los Blancos had been somewhat underestimated ahead of the duel, and he agreed.

“Well, I think so,” Zidane replied.

“In the end, we deserve trust. What we can focus on is the day to day job.

“This team never gives up on anything.”

Speaking about the man in the opposite dugout, Zidane had nothing but kind words for Jurgen Klopp.

“He’s a great coach,” Zidane said. “He’s coached for a long time and he has experience.

“He’s done very good work throughout his career, and everyone does their job their own way. I see a lot of different coaches and I saw a lot of different things during my coaching course.”

Karim Benzema is the one indisputable player in Real Madrid’s attack, and Zidane is happy that his No.9 has a good understanding with all of the players who can partner him.

“Everyone here knows how to play and have earned their place at this club,” Zidane said. “They’re all the best players.

“They all understand Karim, and Karim understands them all. There’s a lot of chemistry between them.”

Eden Hazard could return to action against the Premier League champions, but Zidane has called for caution around the Belgian.

“Eden has to be calm,” Zidane explained. “We never risk a player returning if he’s not ready.

“We’ll do things little by little and we’ll see when he’ll play again. That’s how it is at the moment.”

Liverpool’s defence has been weakened through injury this season, but the Frenchman isn’t taking anything for granted.

“I don’t know if it’s a weakness because they have other players,” Zidane said. “We also have absences, but the strength is in the team.

“There are always players missing, but the strength is in the team. That’s how it is for us.”