Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said his team’s victory in the League on Thursday tastes sweeter than any of the three Champions League crowns he has led them to.
Real secured their 34th league title with a 2-1 victory over Villarreal on Thursday after winning all 10 games since the season returned after a three-month hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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“The Champions League is the Champions League, but La Liga makes me happier, because that’s what La Liga is about,” the Frenchman told the Spanish network Movistar after winning his eleventh trophy as Real manager, his second win. in the league.
“This is a tremendous feeling because what these players have done is incredible. I am speechless because I am too emotional.”
This title victory will not come down as Real’s most exciting and they had to win a series of on-set victories, also with their luck against Villarreal.
But Zidane, who also won the League as a real player, would not take anything away from his team’s achievement.
“We have been the best because we have the most points and that is all there is to say. For me it is one of my best days as a professional,” he added.
“The players are the ones who have fought for this. It is true that I have played my role, but they are the ones who believe in what they are doing.”
The title victory was like no other for Real, who lifted the trophy in an empty Alfredo di Stefano stadium at his training ground, his temporary home while Santiago Bernabeu undergoes renovation work.
The team will also not carry out its usual convertible bus parade to the Cibeles fountain in central Madrid, to avoid the risk of the coronavirus spreading.
“It is strange for everyone, we would have liked to have been with our fans in Cibeles, but it is not supposed to be like this,” said Zidane.
“But I’m sure everyone is happy at home tonight. Fans always love to see the team win and we’ve done this for them.”
Club president Florentino Pérez joined the celebratory atmosphere after the game, praising the team and Zidane who he called “a blessing from heaven.”
“They were all great, especially Karim who scored the goals, the goalkeeper who did well, Sergio [Ramos] who is more than a captain, Casemiro, they all got together and you saw him in every game. The coach is the architect of this league, “said Pérez.
“[Zidane] It is a blessing from heaven. I hope you will be with us for a long time. We will continue to win trophies. “
On Ramos’ status at the club, Pérez added: “Sergio Ramos will be here for life … Everyone should be calm. He has been more than a captain.”
Ramos himself highlighted the difficult season that has been due to the impact of the coronavirus, but credited Zidane for keeping the team on track.
“It has been an unusual and strange season after what we have been through, but I think it was clear after the closing that we had to win all our games to have the opportunity to win the title, with Barça two points ahead of us.” there was no margin for error in our heads, “he said.
About Zidane, he said: “He is key. The captain of the boat is the one who has to lead and make the difference. He has always been a person who has put his trust in the players, which is not normal for all coaches. We He believes in him and in his work. Hopefully he will last a long time and be valued. He is a unique coach. “
Information from ESPN FC correspondent Alex Kirkland and Reuters was used in this report.
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