Zidane: “We want to see another good performance like in Wednesday's game” | OneFootball

Zidane appeared to speak to the media in an online press conference ahead of the derby clash at the Alfredo Di Stéfano on LaLiga matchday 13 (Saturday 9:00pm CET): “There's a lot to talk about but the positive side is our great performance the other day. All we want to do is prepare well and think about tomorrow's game. It's a good football match, it's one that's a big date in our calendar, it's a derby and every single player wants to be involved".

“What we look for in every game, every three days, is to demonstrate what we are as a team without thinking about whether we'll win LaLiga. We want to win every game there is. This has always been the case, such is the competitors we are. It's a great game too and all we'll be focused on, without considering that we're reigning LaLiga champions. We of course want to defend what we won last term. We'll do that to the end. I'm convinced of our commitment in every match".

Is it a final? “We're always talking about finals, every game is a final here. I see it as another opportunity to show what we're about as a team. What we want is to deliver a great football match, just as we did the other day”.

Atlético, LaLiga title favourites “Yes, they're showing that form now. They're a team who are doing what they do best on the pitch. They've always been a competitive side and right now they're in first place and we know what they're about. All we're thinking about is what we're going to do tomorrow”.

Carvajal and Valverde “They'll be with us. They've trained normally and they'll be part of the group tomorrow”.

Academy products “It depends on the situation, it's always the same. There are a lot of players who can make the step up, as has always been the case. The players have to be ready. We've got a very big squad but the players have to be prepared and the same goes for those in the youth sides".

Marcelo and Isco "I'm always going to have faith in these players. It's true they haven't played as much lately but they're absolutely in my plans. They've shown the players they are for a long time with what they've achieved here and it's simply a case of them playing less recently. I have to pick a team every three days, that's my job, but they're training well and I'll be needing everyone in the group". “I understand they've not had many minutes. I get it, but that's the situation we're in and it's not forever. The most important thing is that they're training well and when they get the chance they have to be ready, that's all. There are lots of players here and picking 11 is a difficult job for the coach”.

Off the pace in LaLiga “You're always asking about what's going to happen. We have to play the game first. We want to deliver a great performance to show what we're about as a team. It's going to be tough because they are strong opposition and we'll have to give it our all, not think about the result. This is a squad of players who are capable of extraordinary things and that's all we're focused on".

Changes “Every game is different. That was the case the other day and it's true we haven't made any changes but it's a specific spell right now. Tomorrow's another game and perhaps we'll make 5 changes, perhaps we won't. It depends on the game, that's what influences what you do. At least that's my view as a coach”.

Simeone “Everyone has their way of doing things. I can't be a different person and what's more, when I was training to become a coach, I was told time and again to just be myself. That's the way it is, everyone has their flaws, their qualities. Simeone is a fantastic coach and I try and do my job the best I can”.

Atlético's style “Better, worse… They're our rivals. We have to stop them doing what they do well. As many people will agree, I think Atleti are a team who have been competing well for a long time and that's what I'm expecting. We're concentrating on what we're going to, how we approach the game, that's what I'm most interested in".

Llorente “No, I'm not surprised. He's a top player and he's showing another side to his game that perhaps we didn't see at Real Madrid. He's playing in a different way and I knew he had the quality to play like he's doing, I'm thrilled for him, that's all there is to it".