Zidane Not Shifting Blames After Valencia Loss

By Joshua Walters

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane did not pass the buck to his players as he recorded his first defeat since his return as the head coach of Real Madrid after a 2-1 loss to Valencia at the Mestalla.

Zidane has recorded two wins in his return to the Los Blancos dugout following the sacking of Argentine trainer Santiago Solari and suffered his first defeat on match-day 30.

Valencia, unbeaten since January 5 extended that run with goals from Goncalo Guedes and Ezequiel Garay as Karim Benzema’s header in the injury time gave the visitors something to cheer about.

“We started the game strongly with good possession, pressing high up. We just needed to get that first goal.

“I can’t blame the players for anything, they really tried hard. We played against a top team. It’s a defeat and defeat always hurts.

“We struggled to create chances, get shots off and come up with anything in the final third. We needed a little bit more near the opposition goal.

“The team fought to the end. It’s a tough spell, a defeat, but we have to accept it and think about the eight games we have left. We have to focus on doing a better job on Saturday.”

Zidane, however, feels his side contended on equivalent balance with their opponents from the start of the game before watching them slide to what is said to be their ninth LaLiga defeat this campaign.

“I always say results are fair and I accept them but it was an even game. They got two goals against us almost out of nowhere. We have to accept that Valencia won the game.

“This is a tough run for us, the whole season has been hard going.

“Now I need to take control of my team and get us playing better next time out. The players are ready to fight until the last and we want to end on a high in preparation for next season. We are going to leave no stone unturned.”