Raphael Varane claims Zinedine Zidane’s fitness regime has allowed Real Madrid “to play higher up the pitch”.
Varane – who was sent off during Los Blancos’ 4-2 victory over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Saturday – was speaking ahead of Madrid’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Roma, whom he felt would pose his side great difficulty.
“Roma are a very good team at this stage of the competition,” the centre-back told UEFA’s official website.
“Every game is very difficult and decided by small details, which make the difference.
“We have to prepare [for the game] well because it won’t be an easy match, but I think we have what it takes to go far in this competition.
“Like any game at the highest level, you need to be physically and mentally prepared.
“You must be ready to pose some tactical problems to your opponents and try to counter their strengths.
“[Zidane] is a Coach who loves the game and enjoys attacking football.
“He likes the ball to be moved quickly in training and has added a physical component to our game, which allows us to play higher up the pitch.
“He is close to the players, likes to talk to us and show us videos so we can improve on any small details.
“The fact he was a player and is a young Coach creates a certain closeness between him and the players.
“As a child, I saw him play and he has a real aura in the world, especially in France.”
