Sports

‘I would like them both’- Zidane speaks on interest in Mbappe, Neymar

Published

6 years ago

March 15, 2019

Zinedine Zidane has offered a way back for Gareth Bale, Isco and Marcelo at Real Madrid as he prepares for his first game against Celta Vigo on Saturday since being re- appointed as coach .Bale, Isco and Marcelo have all endured difficult seasons under Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari , with Bale heavily criticised for his form while Isco and Marcelo have been dropped .

Zidane ’ s return puts Bale ’ s future in further doubt , given the pair ’ s relationship became strained last season , before the Welshman said he was considering his future at the club .

“ I am not going to talk about Bale’ s season , I only talk about the 11 games we have left , ” Zidane said on Friday .
“ We all know the player that Gareth is . I am counting on him like everyone else, we are ready and Gareth is ready . ”

Whether Zidane ’ s words come with a place for Bale in his first starting line – up at the Santiago Bernabeu remains to be seen , as Madrid look to rebuild following a turbulent few months.

Isco never started a single La Liga match under Solari while Marcelo increasingly found his place at left – back taken by the 22 – year – old Sergio Reguilon .

“ Isco wants to play and nothing else, ” said Zidane , who added on Marcelo : “ He has also not played much but he is a professional . We have to respect everything the previous coaches did, it is not easy , but I am happy to see Marcelo again. ”

Madrid are 12 points adrift of leaders Barcelona and Zidane now has three months to assess his squad ahead of potential changes in the summer .

“ I am not thinking about that , we have to think about finishing the season well , ” Zidane said . “ You do not have to be thinking about who stays or goes, everyone has a contract here , then we will see what happens. ”

Zidane replaced Solari on Monday, returning to the club that he left only nine months ago after winning his third consecutive Champions League trophy .

“ It ’ s like the first day again, ” Zidane said . “ Even if it ’ s not new, it will be something different , it does not have to be the same thing. I am excited to have a new adventure . ”

Paris Saint – Germain ’ s Kylian Mbappe and Neymar have been among those linked with a move to Madrid , with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez joking on Monday, “ I would like them both ” .

“ You are always delighted to coach the best players , ” Zidane said . “ We know the quality those two players have but what interests me is tomorrow ’ s game, nothing more . ”

( AFP)