‘Players deserve respect’
Zidane tired of being told Real win because of referees
I Ttook another Sergio Ramos penalty for Real Madrid to beat Athletic Bilbao yesterday, but Zinedine Zidane has grown fed up with hearing that his side need help from officials to win.
The La Liga leaders have benefited from a number of
calls since the restart, but the coach insists that the team deserve more respect.
“I’m tired of hearing that we won because of referees,” Zidane said after the match in his postmatch press conference.
“It’s not going to change, but the players deserve respect. Nobody is going to take our minds off our goal.”
The Frenchman’s comments came after Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu criticised video assistant refereeing (VAR) technology yesterday, insinuating it favours title rivals Madrid.
His side are four points behind Madrid with four league matches remaining and in recent weeks the current leaders have benefitted from various close calls after officials utilized the system.
“VAR is not living up to what we all wanted of it,” Bartomeu told Movistar.
“Since the confinement, there have been many games which have not been fair and it’s always favoured the same side, and many teams have been hurt by it.
“VAR should help the referee, in recent games everybody has seen how the system has not been used well.”
After yesterday’s win, Zidane admitted he is not thinking about the title just yet, although he acknowledged how important the three points at San Mames could prove.
“Until it’s mathematically won, we cannot relax or think about the title,” he added.
“It’s a very important victory, a hardfought game with a lot o f intensity. It’s a very important win.” Although Ramos scored the decisive goal, it was his defensive partner Eder Militao who impressed most.
“He (Militao) played a great game,” Zidane said. “It’s true that he hasn’t played much this season, but I’m happy for him.
“All of our players are switched on for when it’s time to play.”
With seven wins from seven since the restart, Zidane took the time to praise his side.
“I like our strength more than anything,” he told Spanish sports daily Marca.
“We are showing solidity and balance when we lose the ball and we’re doing very well.
“We’ve lacked a spark in attack and we can improve, but our defensive strength is so important.”
After edging out Getafe last week, through a Ramos spot-kick, the Real skipper again kept his nerve from the spot to score his 10th goal of the season – the best tally of his career.
“It’s a massive win,” said Ramos. “We knew today was going to be one of the biggest games that we have left.
“It’s always a difficult game away at Bilbao and we saw it like that. We’re happy with another crucial three points that put more pressure on Barcelona.” – dpa/AFP/Agencies