Zidane shocked by physical state of Real Madrid stars
Zinedine Zidane's first game as Real Madrid boss saw him enjoy a 5-0 win over Deportivo, which put his worries about the deplorable physical state of his footballers to one side. The visitors' poor performance disguised Madrid's condition.
It has taken Zidane just a four training sessions to realise the Los Blancos squad is at the wrong physical level, for this point in the season. The Frenchman is worried about three players in particular - Toni Kroos, James Rodriguez and Danilo.
The new Madrid coach has created a work plan that will allow the team to recover, considering them currently unable to compete with Barcelona and Atletico or the biggest sides in the Champions League.
Zidane thinks the lamentable physical condition of his team is the worst thing he has inherited from Rafa Benitez. Kroos and James are the worst off. The German didn't take care of himself from when pre-season started and is paying the consequences. Benitez had to leave him on the bench on more than one occasion. The colombian, it seems, has become too much of a fan of Madrid's nightlife and doesn't look anything like the player we saw last season.
Danilo's level also displeases Zidane, and for this he gave Dani Carvajal the right-back spot against Deportivo. The French coach's main objective, above winning the games against Sporting, Betis and Espanyol which are coming up, is to get his men recovered physically. For this he has odered his special work plan. The elimination from the Copa del Rey has given them more time, and the plan is to get back to their best by the Champions League knock-out phases, mid-February.
