Zidane: 'Like Isco said, I have the hard task of picking the team'

One of the first phrases Zizou uttered was in reference to Isco's statements earlier this week about the challenge of picking the starting XI: "As Isco said, I have the hard task of picking the starting XI. There are many great players who won't feature or will be on the bench, but we think as a team. The player might be disappointed, but when the game starts, we're one big group."

"Whoever is named on the bench shouldn't think it's because they aren't a great player. I have to make decisions and all my players are good, but those who are on the bench can also bring something to the team and be important. This is the hardest part about being a manager."

Talking about the club's potential third triumph on the trot, Zidane stayed focused on his side's journey to Kiev: "Getting to a final isn't easy. We are happy to be able to play in another one. Looking at it like that, it's a very nice achievement. I have always competed because I like competing and behind that there is a lot of hard work, not just from me, but my players too. This is Real Madrid and, through hard work, we can get to where we are aiming."

Just like Jurgen Klopp, the Frenchman outlined that the two sides are neck and neck going into the final duel. "It's another final and we have the same chance as always. There are no favourites in a final. We have the same chance as they do."

Zidane then went on to talk about his opposite number in the Liverpool dug out. "As a footballer I was a bit better, but he wasn't bad," said Zizou after Klopp said the former Madrid midfielder was always better than the rest. "As a manager I respect him a lot because everything he's done in football he's done brilliantly."