Zidane refuses to address Real future ahead of La Liga title showdown

GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane would not be drawn on his future ahead of the side's final La Liga game of the season against Villarreal on Saturday.

Should Real win and city rivals Atletico fail to emerge victorious away to Valladolid, then Zidane's side will be crowned champions.

The Frenchman, whose future has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks in what could be a trophyless season, batted away questions if he will remain at the helm, insisting his only focus was on toppling visitors Villarreal.

"It's not important if I am here or someone else is, the important thing is the team and what we want to achieve," he told a news conference.

"For us the only thing on our minds is the game. We play tomorrow and now isn't the time to talk about it (his future). All my energy is focused on tomorrow.

"It's been a tough campaign but we are excited by the chance of being able to win La Liga."

There was good news as Zidane confirmed the return of club captain Sergio Ramos for the game against Unai Emery's side. However, Eden Hazard's name was on the growing absentee list which already features Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Lucas Vazquez and Ferland Mendy.

"Hazard's got something. It's small, but we don't want to risk anything. He wasn't in training because he's got an issue and tomorrow he won't be available," Zidane said. 

More from Sports

  • Arsenal go top as title race goes down to final day

    Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.

  • Pogacar retains overall Giro D'Italia lead

    UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.

  • McIlroy wins fourth Wells Fargo Championship title

    Rory McIIroy claimed his fourth Wells Fargo Championship after a superb back nine saw him finish -17 par having trailed by two shots after seven holes.

  • Djokovic suffers shock Italian Open defeat

    Alejandro Tabilo claimed the biggest win of his career beating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after the Serbian was hit on the head by a water bottle.

  • Norwich and Leeds goalless in Championship play-offs first leg

    Norwich City and Leeds United played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Championship play-offs semi-final tie as both teams seek a return to the Premier League.