Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane blew his top in a fiery Friday press conference asking for more respect after winning the league last season.
In his first media appearance since having to self-isolate for 11 days because of coronavirus, Zidane was asked by one reporter why his tone was so defensive.
He replied: 'Are you being serious? Every day at home I'm hearing that I'm out. You know it because you're the first [to be saying it].
'So what are you saying? That I'm defensive when everyday I'm hearing that I'm out. I defend the right for myself and the players to be left to work. We are going to keep fighting. Of course I defend myself.
'We deserve that. We won the league last year. Us! Real Madrid! So we have earned the right to fight for our league this year.'
Zidane's press conferences are usually millpond tranquil with barely a ripple regardless of the line of questioning. But last week Madrid lost their third home league game of the season and - already out of the cup, 10 points behind Atletico Madrid, now third behind Barcelona, and having lost the Spanish Super Cup - the coach has been put under more pressure.
As animated as he has been during his time in charge Zidane waved his hands as he continued: 'At least this year we deserve that. After that you are right. Things will have to be done. It's true there will have to be change perhaps.
'But this year we have the right to fight for the league. Let the squad that won this league last season fight for it.' Raising his voice he added: 'We won the league last season not 10 years ago! It was last year. So [we just need] a little respect. It makes me laugh.
'You lot say a lot of things and in the end you have to accept certain things and say things to my face 'yes we want them to change [sack] you' or 'we want to change you' but you have to say it, not just from behind.'
Chrislaity
233
When ur biggest signing is a hospital employee, and ur next Brazilian future star has a hattrick on his own net. When ur captain ,striker and defender is on the verge of leaving you. Wben the striker you ditched is scoring goals day in day out which you feel are yours in Itally,and your own main striker is allergic to a goal. When you win the league through fake penalties and then your bribe bundle expires and karma sets in. When your defender gets a red every match he starts and the old Brazilian is more of a liability. When you get flogged by a 3rd division amateur team of 10 boys and in the same week are pushed down the table by your enemies whom you have so often mocked this year in the same week?? Tell me what you expect??? Bitterness and frustration. And how it gladdens my heart.ππππππππ. And the hate and anger comments and make my day even sweeter ππππππ
SH2000
150
I like the way Zidane replied, the reporters think because he's calm they can take advantage of it, no way