We take a look at the key news surround Real Madrid today, ahead of their clash with Atletico Madrid on the weekend.
Bale says Giggs is best player he has played with
Gareth Bale picked compatriot and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs over teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the greatest player he has ever played with.
Speaking about Giggs, the Welshman had this to say:
“For me the greatest player is Ryan Giggs,” Bale said. “He was my hero growing up and is a legend in world football. It also helps he’s a fellow Welshman.”
It would be pretty ironic if Giggs were to come out and say that Ronaldo is the greatest player he has ever played with in the future.
Zidane happy to face Griezmann
Zinedine Zidane was happy to hear that Antoine Griezmann would be fit for Saturday’s Madrid derby.
Griezmann – who has scored 8 goals in 14 appearances this season – was a doubt after suffering a foot injury in France’s 2-1 win over Sweden last Friday but trained with the team this week and will almost certainly feature in tomorrow’s crunch clash.
About Griezmann, Zidane had this to say:
“For me, it is good to be ready to play tomorrow,” he said at his press conference on Friday.
“I’ll never wish that a player is injured on the opposing team. He is simply an important player for Atletico and I’m happy for him.
“It is true that we have to be very careful against Griezmann, but not only him.”
Benzema ready to face Atletico
Speaking at the same press conference, Zidane also confirmed that Karim Benzema would be fit to play against Atletico tomorrow.
Zidane did stress that this would not change their plan, however, and that he would still work what he has prepared all week:
“Benzema will be included in the list, he’s ready,” said the French coach. “Our game plan will not change depending on who makes the starting XI for us. We know we are facing a tough opponent but we cannot change the way we play,” he added.
