Zidane under pressure to save Real Madrid job

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane badly wants a win from a tricky journey to Sevilla on Saturday to revive the La Liga champions’ fortunes as they sit in an undignified fourth place. Local media say the Frenchman has simply two video games to save lots of his job after Real misplaced three of their final 5 in all competitions, and are seven factors off high spot of their marketing campaign to retain the Spanish title.

Zidane was defiant after the newest setback: a 2-0 Champions League defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

“I will not resign … We’ve had tricky times in the past, and there will always be difficult times. It’s a bad series of results, that’s the truth, but we have to continue,” he mentioned.

“I have the strength to continue and I’ll give my all and so will the players.”

Real’s defence has regarded weak, particularly with out captain Sergio Ramos, who stays a doubt for the Saturday afternoon go to to his boyhood membership with a hamstring subject.

Full-backs Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola will even probably be lacking, as will midfielder Federico Valverde and forwards Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic.

The irony of the scenario is not going to be misplaced on Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked by Real and changed by Zidane in October 2019. Sevilla are one level behind Real in fifth place with a recreation in hand.

Atletico Madrid, the division’s solely unbeaten aspect, may briefly high the desk once they host Valladolid on Saturday night. Diego Simeone’s aspect sit two factors behind Real Sociedad although they’ve performed two fewer video games.

Atletico ahead Luis Suarez could also be out there if he returns a detrimental test after self-isolating for COVID-19, however strike accomplice Diego Costa is unquestionably absent with deep vein thrombosis.

Barcelona, who like perennial rivals Real are additionally struggling, go to shock package deal Cadiz on Saturday evening.

The newly-promoted outfit, who sit one place above the Catalans in sixth, have already overwhelmed Real this season.

Elsewhere, league leaders Sociedad journey to Alaves in a Basque derby, whereas Eibar host Valencia on Monday.