Zidane fires warning to Chelsea, with Real waiting to ‘fight to the death.’
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has maintained that Eden Hazard, Sergio Ramos, and all his Real Madrid players are set to “fight to the death” to beat Chelsea to the Champions League final.
Zidane’s Real side will play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in Wednesday’s semi-final second leg, in an effort to reach their first Champions League final in three years.
Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is back in the Real squad after a month of a calf injury, while ex-Chelsea talisman Hazard has finally bounced back from a frustrating series of injuries.
Zidane denied any fears over Spain stalwart Ramos’ fitness, before tipping Hazard to find the top form on his old stomping ground.
“I’m not going to be taking a risk, Sergio is with us and that means that he is ready to play; that’s it,” said Zidane.
“I’m not going to tell you now about whether Sergio will play or any other player.
ALSO READ:
- Rio Ferdinand changes his mind and predicts who’ll win Chelsea v Madrid clash.
- Jose Mourinho signs a three-year deal with Roma.
- Seven Chelsea untouchables Tuchel is set to play against against Real Madrid.
- Chelsea enters the race for Jadon Sancho
“He’s here with us and that means that he is fine, that’s the most important thing for us, to have our leader with us, to have our captain with us. As I said before all of the players that are here with us are ready. All of them.
“We’re in the Champions League semi-finals, we are all going to fight to the death out there on the pitch. All the players are ready to play, and then of course I have to pick a team.
“All the players are ready to play, don’t worry.”
Asked if now would be the ideal time for Hazard to hit his peak after an injury-plagued two years at Real, Zidane maintained:
“It’s a great time for it, it’s a great time for him, and I think he’s prepared, and that’s very good for us.
“We’re going to need Eden.
“We know what a good player he is, and he’s definitely going to be helping the team.
“Eden is here with us, he’s ready, he’s prepared.
“We know the quality that he has. He’s going to bring his natural game and he’s going to show what he wants to do out there. I’m pleased with that.”
Zidane lauded his team for pushing Madrid towards the season’s business end with hopes still high for a glittering end.
“As we’ve said we’ve had challenges, we’ve had tough moments during the season,” said Zidane.
“But you really have to tip your hat to the team, because they have great character.
“They have personality, and when things get tough they always step up; they’ve shown that.
“They are the best players around in my eyes, and they’ve always shown that.
“Of course there have been challenges, but we are where we want to be, and above all where we deserve to be.”
ALSO READ:
- Edouard Mendy hints as to when Chelsea will see the best of Timo Werner and Kai Havertz.
Ballon d’Or 2021 Power Rankings. Top 20. - Chelsea aims for a new record and landmark Champions League double.
- Paul Pogba names Chelsea and Real Madrid star as the toughest opponents he ever faced.
