Real Madrid was obviously without Cristiano Ronaldo for their entire United States exhibition whole trip, and that naturally had a huge negative impact on the results. However, Los Meringues Manager Zinedine Zidane has said that CR7 will be back with the team on the 5th.
In his postgame news conference following his side’s penalty kick shootout win over the MLS All-Stars in Chicago, the Real boss was asked whether or not Ronaldo will play against Manchester United in the UEFA Super Cup five days from now.
Specifically Zidane was asked if he would have liked to have had him here and have arrived earlier with the team.
“No he needed to rest,” Zidane responded.
“He’s had a long season and it’s important to get that rest time overall. We’ll head back and look forward to seeing him back on the fifth and preparing for our next match.”
While Zidane seemed to dodge the question a little bit, his answer implies that Ronaldo could feature, but maybe not play the full 90 minutes or start. Ronaldo is obviously match fit having led Portugal to a third place finish in the Confederations Cup in Russia. The long tour of international duty is what his boss was referring to when saying that the Galactico “needed his rest.”
Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema didn’t come on tonight in Chicago until the final 30 minutes. Both were scoreless for the entire USA tour. Obviously that means the entire BBC front line was goalless for the entire tour.
“It’s something I can’t change, it’s ok, it’s not a big deal,” Zidane responded to a reporter query about this topic.
Obviously it’s important for our attacking players to score goals, they both had chances, but it’s okay now we need to think about the future and what happens now- our season starts and that’s what’s important.”
The important start of the season will be here before you know it, and Madrid are favored in the opening clash.
Sky Bet gives Real 5/6 odds of winning, while Manchester United are 3/1 and a draw are 5/2.
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net and TheBank.News, partnered with FOX Sports Engage Network and News Now. Banks, a former writer for the Washington Times, NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, currently contributes regularly to WGN CLTV.
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