Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has knocked down claims that he is set to depart the Spanish capital at the end of this season.
The French man whose side are still in contention for the La Liga title denied telling Real Madrid players this past week that he would leave the club, claiming he “would never, ever say that to my players”.
Over the past week, several tabloids in Spain and across Europe reported that Zidane had already announced his departure to the squad behind closed doors. The report stated that because of the physical and mental fatigue caused by managing the Spanish giants, Zidane was set to walk away at the end of the season.
But the Madrid legend has come out to deny the rumours, maintaining that his immediate commitment was ensuring that Los Blancos win the title.
Speaking after his side’s win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, the Madrid coach said:
“How could I tell the players I’m leaving now? We’re giving our everything for the title, and I just say ‘by the way, I’m off’?,”
“People outside the club can say whatever they like, but I would never, ever say that to my players.”
Zidane, whose side earned a last-gasp victory over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday, are in danger of finishing 2020-21 without a trophy, as they remain two points behind Atletico Madrid in the La Liga title race with one match to go.
They must win their match against Villareal next weekend and hope that Atletico Madrid loses to claim their 35th league title.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted, Zinedine Zidane: “How can I tell my players that I'm leaving the club at this stage of the season? I’ve not said anything to my players about my future”.
Zinedene Zidane: “We are still in it. We are going to give our all until the final minute. We knew the league would go down to the last minute. We are going to fight for it. I’m happy about our match. We’re still alive." #RealMadrid
