UCL finals: Zidane's Press Conference - Nobody can take away what we've achieved so far

“Nobody can take away what we've achieved so far. Failure can only be in our attitude. You never know what's going to happen but we're very well prepared to play this final. we'll have to run, run and run. We know what it is to suffer and tomorrow I'm sure we'll have to show that, but in a final it's normal to have difficult moments during the match, and if you want to win you've got to go through that suffering”.

On Atletico: “They're a team. I can't pick out one particular player. They work as a team. I wouldn't take anyone out of the Atlético side. We know how they work. They're in the final for a reason: the good work they've all put in. They'll make it a complicated game, we know that and we're prepared for it”.

On wheter the match will be hard: “Not hard. Hard implies something ugly and it's not like that. It'll be difficult but we're ready and the players just want the match to start after 15 days of preparation. First off we'll have to defend well without the ball and then we've got our attacking weapons to do good things going forward”.
“It's been three months since the last derby and we're better in every sense, but that means nothing. I'm pleased because the work has been tremendous. Now it's time for this game and we'll give our all. We'll see what happens, but we're ready to play. It's 50-50. There are no favourites”.

On Cristiano: “He had some discomfort in Manchester but he's back at 100% and we're playing a final. He's fine. He's not got the same problems as in Manchester, it's different”.
On his first final as a coach: “It's different. I've had it as a player, as assistant coach and now as head coach. I'm happy and I experience it intensely with the whole team. Getting to a final isn't easy. What the players have done has been phenomenal in every sense. It's a final and we're all happy to be playing”.

“When the game starts I'll feel more tension, but it's part of the work of the coach and I like it. I've lived it as a player, but it's nothing like as a manager. Ancelotti always told me that. Before the final in Lisbon he said he hoped I would one day experience it as a head coach, and I always remember Carlo”.

On the differences between Lisbon and Milan: “Some players have left but the idea is always the same at this club: unity, effort, camaraderie, and when it's time to play, showing quality and giving it our all. Tomorrow we want to show this again and give everything we've got”.

On the praise received from Materazzi: “I'm happy with the work we've done so far. I'm happy with all we've done to get to the final”.

• PLAYER TO WATCH

1) Fernando Torres- Torres is a great striker. He was off since his spell at Chelsea but this Spanish striker has stepped up alot in last 10 games. Last 11 games, he has scored 6 goals and 2 assists. He scored one against Barcelona and assisted once against Bayern over 4 games. The main advantage for him would be Grizzy. Grizzy is a way better striker than Torres and that might do some damage. As everyone would be focusing on Grizzy, Torres might do his thing. First ex- Against Barcelona, whole defense focused on Grizzy but Fernando made a run behind Pique, got the pass and finished nicely through the legs of Ter. 

He is an experienced striker. He has played in UCL finals before so he is used to the pressure. And also he played for top teams and has alot of knowledge on the runs strikers make. Also he is coming in there mad as he wasnt selected in Spain's NT for Euros 2016. When the defense tries their arse off to stop Grizzy, he might slot one in catching the defense offguard. Ramos and Pepe might have a hard job to do.

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2) CRISTIANO RONALDO - Lets not spend any time describing how much of a beast he is. Top scorer in UCL and second to Luis Suarez in Laliga. The thing with Ronaldo is he can contribute on and off the ball. As we all know Simeone is obviously gunna make defensive adjustments to stop Ronaldo. So whenever (in the field) He goes, he attracts defenders. 

Attracting defenders might keep him silent in the game but if 3 defenders come to stop him, there will be huge gap in the middle left by these players which Real Madrid's Midfielders can exploded with a sweet forward pass to score. Similar example was this season in laliga when the derby ended 1-1 in which Benzema scored for Real and Vietto scored for Atletico. 

Benzema scored a header which was actually possible cuz of Ronaldo. When cross came inside, Ronaldo made a run to the right side and defenders like Godin and Gimenez went with him as he is stronger in air than Benzema. But he completely missed the ball and Found benzema open in the box which he scored. 

Influence on the ball will be vital for him. How? Simple his headers. This is a way to break a defensive bus Nd luckily Ronaldo is the best in doing this. His heading ability is on point and theres no doubt he can put one through the net with his head. He has scored alot of headers this year so scoring another header for him aint impossible.

3) Gareth Bale- Just like Ronaldo, his heading ability can come into play. He has scored most headed goals in Europe's top 5 leagues this season. Also he has stepped up his game a lot since last year. He has 19 goals this season in laliga. He is goalless in ucl this season sadly but he will be a danger for Atletico's defense. Lets leave the heading ability in the side. Atletico's midfield will never let a ball through the middle which will make Real to play from the wings. And as a right wing he can do some damage. 

Firstly, he is pacey. He is way faster than Filipe Luis and he can beat him up easily with pace. If that doesnt happen, his crosses will come to play. He has a sexy ass left foot and is one of the best crossers atm. 

We have seen him picking out players wiite often inside the box with his crossing ability. And one good cross towards Ronaldo and Benzema can lead to a goal as they are good in air. Gareth Bale might be someone Atletico wants to keep an eye on.

4) Antoine Griezmann - Tbh he has been one of the best strikers this season. He is fast, agile and clinical infront of goal. Scoring 22 goals in laliga and 7 in UCL which might seem less compared to other strikers but scoring 29 goals despite playing in a defensive minded team is a huge achievement. 

Now lets talk about how he will harm. His main advantage is counter-attacking. Atletico plays with a 4-4-2 system which is so hard to break (like leicester). 

Usually Fernando Torres comes to the midfield to win the ball with Gabi and Koke. When Real attacks, their defensive line would be high. 

Marcelo likes to hang out with Ronaldo in the left wing leaving the left side wide open and Ramos also is kinda offensive minded and likes to play long passes like Kroos or xabi. This is the time Grizzy comes to play. As soon as They win the ball in any position in the field, the players involved in the play (to win the ball) go forward. 

And Grizzy is usually in the left side (Marcelo's side which is usually open) and if koke or Gabi come up with a sweet pass over the top then its a goal.

However, A player we should all keep an eye out for today is Casemiro. The Brazilian may very well get to play a key role in tonight's game, since he is a perfect asset for such a game in my opinion.He'll do well when it will come to breaking their play, he'll always be on point with his imperial challenges and he will definitely prove his worth when Atletico breaks on the counter.
Just like against Barcelona, a big game is in store for our Brazilian tank!