Zidane’s happy to feel heat
ZINEDINE ZIDANE says being under pressure is what keeps him motivated.
The Real Madrid coach is feeling the heat after Sunday’s 2-1 La Liga defeat at Girona left his team eight points behind leaders Barcelona.
It was only Real’s second defeat of the season but it has cranked up the pressure on Zidane as he goes into tonight’s Champions League Group H showdown with Tottenham at Wembley.
Zidane, who has steered Real to the Champions League title two years running, said: “Defeats like that always provide me with motivation. I always have the same hopes and motivation when I go about my job.
“After a defeat of course people aren’t happy – but I like that.
“I like having the motivation of a big match so we can get back to winning ways. That inspires me.
“When the going gets tough I work my best. There is always the hard moment but you have to trust the way you work.”
Zidane will be without Wales star Gareth Bale, who misses out on facing his former club with a calf injury, as well as first-choice goalkeeper Keylor Navas and centre-back Raphael Varane.
“We are in good shape,” said Zidane. “People might think we are down in the dumps but that is not the case. It is important not to dwell on Sunday’s defeat. Nothing will change in our approach and we are going all out to win against Spurs.”