Facing his first El Clasico, Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane knows nothing other than victory at Barcelona will be enough.
The former midfield great replaced Rafa Benitez three months ago, but his star-studded team are virtually out of the Spanish league title race, 10 points adrift of Barcelona in third place.
“I know how things are at this club,” Zidane said on Friday, a day before his takes his team to Camp Nou. “The important thing is to win, we all know it. I was here as a player. I know the demands that this job comes with.”
Zidane has a lot riding on how well his team performs on Saturday following an irregular managing debut that has swung between blowouts of small teams, costly draws on the road, and a disappointing loss to second-placed Atletico Madrid at home.
Despite Real’s best chances at a trophy resting in the Champions League, where they are set to play German club Wolfsburg on Wednesday in the quarter-finals, Zidane said his team arefocused on Saturday’s match.
“Maybe the game has a different role, but that won’t change anything for us,” he said. “We will do our best and start strong. For me the most important game is tomorrow. We will play tomorrow’s game and then look toward Wednesday.”
Zidane played his last Clasico 10 years ago, and he said that the clash between the fierce rivals are “the most beautiful game that exists for a player.”
“Now I get to experience it as a coach and I am happy for that,” he said. “I want to make the most of it and have a great match.”
Zidane’s challenge, however, is daunting. Under Luis Enrique, Barcelona are on a Spanish record streak of 39 matches without a loss across all competitions.
