Zinedine Zidane has made it clear that his opinion of Cristiano Ronaldo will not be influenced by booing from Real Madrid fans.
The Portuguese was jeered by a section of Los Blancos fans during Saturday’s 7-1 victory over Celta Vigo, in which he scored four goals, for appearing to attack his teammates after the derby defeat to Atletico Madrid a week earlier, but his Coach insisted he would never sell him if he had his way.
“There’s no problem [with [James Rodriguez],” he said at a Press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Roma, with Madrid taking a 2-0 lead into the game.
“He’s a committed player who trains well, but I have to pick the team and there are players who have to be left out.
“The most important thing is that they give everything on the pitch [when called upon].
“I’ll always ask for more because he has talent, but it’s not only him. Still, he’s improving.
“I wouldn’t sell [Ronaldo] because I’m the Coach and I want him.
“I was booed too, but it’s not a matter of the player, rather we have fans who want the best from our players, and ultimately I think they love the players.
“I always see the stadium full and that means a lot. As Pepe said, the fans are very important and they know it.
“They’ve always supported us and it’s part of football to boo if things don’t go well.
“[On Marcelo’s unhappiness with Brazil], he’s ready to play with us, that’s what I can tell you.
“[Borja Mayoral] has shown incredible intensity. He’s a player from Castilla and you can’t forget that.
“He has a lot of personality and ambition, but you have to go slowly with him.
“I’ve told him that he’s doing great, but he has to go about his work calmly. I’d like to have everyone available, but Benzema isn’t.
“[Gareth Bale] is ready to play and that’s the most important thing. Wearing socks with holes in is his choice, but he’s fine.
“[On Lucas Vázquez or Bale], whooever plays has to do their bit.
“I don’t know if Gareth will cover the same ground [as Vazquez], but the idea is always the same, defending without the ball and attacking with it.”