With more injuries than usual, Zinedine Zidane's job is both easier and simultaneously a lot harder in terms of his team selection, rotation policy, and how he approaches such an important game. The midfield is almost certain to be made up of Luka Modric, Mateo Kovacic and Isco, but the trio up front is still up in the air, mainly depending on Karim Benzema's fitness. "The system and players can be different, but the style of play will be the same," Zidane promised in his pre-match press conference on Friday. "We arrive at the Calderon in good condition, having reincorporated a few key players to the squad. "There can always be problems, but we are focused on the important match at hand and are ready."
The latest surrounding Benzema's recovery was a key talking point, as his presence in the starting XI or off the bench could signal Zidane's approach and tip his hand. "Benzema has made the squad, which means he can play as a starter," Zidane said. "We'll see how he feels tomorrow." The French striker's presence is so important precisely because of Alvaro Morata's injury, though the coach didn't seek to fuel the fires and blame the Spanish national team for playing him against England after already having received a knock. "I'm not going to blame anyone," Zidane stated, referring to the Spanish federation, who insisted Morata's knock came during the match at Wembley and not before. "We're upset at Alvaro's [Morata] injury but these things happen."Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and James Rodriguez not in their best form, coach Zinedine Zidane is facing tough questions over the starting XI to take on Atletico Madrid.
Although Benzema made his way back to the training pitch with the rest of the group this week, that may not be enough for the Real Madrid tactician to consider him fit for the derby. With Alvaro Morata unavailable for the next month, Zidane is wondering whether he should remain faithful to his 4-3-3 system or to change his formation to undergo a match without the Frenchman. As a result, the most logical option is to use Cristiano Ronaldo as a No. 9, with Gareth Bale on the left, in Ronaldo's usual position, and Lucas Vazquez on the right. Without Casemiro and Pepe, the midfield will be managed by Mateo Kovacic and his national colleague Luka Modric, while Isco will play in the right wing position. As the doubts persist, it remains to be seen what Zidane has in mind for the derby as he continues to prepare in the last few hours of the match's build-up.
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