Madrid derby fallout: Zinedine Zidane admits he expects more from this superstar

 

The Real Madrid manager was not pleased with picking just a point from the derby at the Wanda Metropolitano but has expressed his satisfaction at his side’s increasing defensive solidity.

Atletico and Real Madrid played out a goalless draw on Saturday night with chances few and far between despite the two teams boasting quality forwards in Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale, Diego Costa, Joao Felix, and Karim Benzema.

Zinedine Zidane showed some concerns about his side’s lack of creativity but was pleased with the way his men battled the home side for a share of the spoils.

“It’s not just intensity, but what’s important is our strength,” Zidane was quoted as saying by Marca.

“We saw a strong Madrid because we didn’t concede a chance.

“We lacked in creativity but we’re happy with what we did.”

Belgium international Eden Hazard started for Los Blancos but even he could not provide that extra quality needed in the final third to unlock Atleti’s defence.

Zidane however backs the former Chelsea playmaker to hit top form soon as the team expects goals from him.

“(Hazard) doesn’t lack much,” the French gaffer explained.

“Just little things.

“We have to stick with him. He’s done a good job, but we haven’t had many chances.

“We have to highlight everyone’s work. We’d like him to score because it’ll release him, but there are no problems, we’re sure it’ll come.”

“I agree [with Ramos],” he said.

“We deserved much more but… What I have to do is to congratulate the players.

“We missed a little in attack, but we want to grow, and I have to congratulate my players.”

“All of the players are with us and Gareth is doing very well,” he said.

“Above all, he helps a lot in the defensive phase, and it shows that we’re more comfortable when we all defend.”