Theo, Llorente and Ceballos don't respond to Zidane
The French coach is still hoping to recover the successful 'B team' he constructed last season, despite the uninspiring performances from his summer additions.
While Zidane tries to catalyse Real Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League, the Copa del Rey is being used as the ideal setting for his lesser-known players who have been unable to gain a foothold in 'major' competitions.
However, the Bernabeu still awaits a showcase from Theo Hernandez, who joined the Spanish giants from their city rivals and in his loan spell for Alaves last season helped the club reach the Cup final, their only appearance in 91 years.
What's certain is that the Frenchman will continue to publicly back his players even with the poor performances from his 'B team' and their lack of response since holding crisis talks earlier in the week.
Despite defending his players in the press room, his tone exudes a certain impotence at the lack of results from a side who, five months ago, were champions of Spain, Europe and the world.
With their chances dwindling in La Liga and the Copa del Rey, the Champions League becomes Real's only option to 'save' their season in an already frustrating January for 'Los Blancos'.
On 14th February, PSG visit the Bernabeu which will become a pivotal fixture if the Spanish team refuse to scour through the market, instead relying on the players who, at the moment, haven't responded to their coach.