Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly backed Zinedine Zidane to stay on as manager of the Madrid-based club. Ronaldo said he was satisfied with Zidane’s performance as coach and would like to see him stay on for another season.
Speaking to Spanish sports magazine Marca, Ronaldo said, “I admired him as a player and now as a coach,”
The Portugal attacker said that he was satisfied with Zidane’s methods, he added, “I think with Zidane we feel more valuable, we feel his affection. We know that he’s in the process of adaptation, but things have progressed very quickly and I’m very happy for him. He’s a coach who I’d like to see continue at Real Madrid.”
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Zidane had replaced Spaniard Rafa Benitez after his unsuccessful reign at Real Madrid. The French manager has guided the Spanish to within one point off first place in the La Liga table and to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
Champions League clash with Manchester City
Ronaldo has returned to training after missing three games for the club through injury. Speaking of the stern test that Manchester City will provide in the semi-finals, he added “We know we have a tough challenge, but anything is possible. If Manchester City are in the semi-finals, it’s because they’re an excellent team. Eliminating PSG isn’t a simple task, but they did it. They’re a team who have very few flaws."
The winger also spoke of his crucial hat-trick in his last Champions League appearance against Wolfsburg, which was essential in ensuring their qualification to the semi-finals, “It was a special night as we had to win by three goals and I scored three.
“It had to be a perfect night and that was what happened, not only for my goals. However, the team did very well, plus our fans who played a very important role in the comeback. It was a magical night."
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Ronaldo spoke of the aura of the Champions League and the competition gave him a special feeling. He felt every Champions League match was his first and was compelled to perform in the tournament. Ronaldo also added that it was Real Madrid’s priority to win the European tournament.
Real Madrid are in the semi-finals of the competition where they face Manchester City. The first leg of the tie had ended in a goalless draw in Manchester.
