Real Madrid News
Zinedine Zidane talks Kroos, Modric, Benzema, Mbappe, Santiago Bernabeu
It has been a while since Zinedine Zidane has coached a football club. After his second stint at Real Madrid came to an end in 2021, the Frenchman has not taken another managerial duty.
Despite this, Zidane has been constantly linked with high-profile jobs across Europe. The Frenchman, for his part, has been eyeing the top job in the French national team for a while.
Zidane on best players he has worked with
Nevertheless, in a recent media interaction, Zidane reminisced about his time at Real Madrid, notably revealing the favourite players he has worked with.
“Players who impressed me the most as a coach? When you see Kroos, Modrić and Benzema playing for you for an hour without losing a single ball, that is football,” Zidane said in an interview with Canal+ Africa.
It must be noted that Zidane had played a crucial role in building Real Madrid’s iconic midfield duo of Kroos and Modric, which is about to come to an end as Kroos has played the final club game of his professional career.
Modric, though, is expected to continue for another season and the deal could be announced in the near future.
Zidane on Santiago Bernabeu, jumping in on the pitch
After he revealed the player who impressed him the most, Zidane was asked about the best stadium he has played in.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the Frenchman revealed, “Most beautiful stadium I played in with the best atmosphere? Santiago Bernabéu. It’s quite special.”
Moving on, EAFC players must be familiar with the feature of jumping into the game even while playing as a manager. Zidane revealed that he, unfortunately, never had the option even though he wanted to jump into the pitch a few times.
“It happened to me once or twice but unfortunately I couldn’t do it. I’m always glued to the touchline, I like to be close to my players, I don’t like sitting,” Zidane said.
Finally, Zidane was also asked about Kylian Mbappe, who has finally joined Real Madrid on a free transfer.
Zidane backed the French international to ‘surpass everyone’ and make history.
“Mbappe is here now. He will make history at the club and I think he’ll surpass everyone,” he said on Telefoot.
Real Madrid News
Carlos Espi reacts after scoring match-winning goal in Elche 2-3 Real Madrid: ‘Starting like this is a dream’
Carlos Espi is becoming Real Madrid’s unlikely late-game specialist.
The 21-year-old once again came off the bench to rescue Jose Mourinho’s side, this time scoring the 91st-minute winner in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Elche.
It was his second goal for the club, and both have arrived at crucial moments.
Speaking to Real Madrid TV after the match, Espi could barely contain his excitement.
“I’m so happy—the happiest man in the world. I try to help the team any way I can, and every time I step onto the field, I give it my all and come away feeling great.
“Starting like this has been a dream. This isn’t over yet; we’re going to keep going because we have Sunday’s match coming up.
Carlos Espi winning goal in Elche vs Real Madrid game. Mbappe assist. pic.twitter.com/STJBV3ikQL
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) September 16, 2026
“This is a team effort. All of us who take the field make the most of our opportunities and give it our all,” he began.
Espi keeps making his minutes count
There is a growing pattern to Espi’s involvement. Even though he has yet to start a match for the first team, that has not stopped him from making an impact.
His first goal arrived against Espanyol in Real Madrid’s opening game, when another late strike helped secure the result.
Against Elche, he was required again after Real Madrid surrendered a two-goal lead and suddenly found themselves in serious trouble.
Espi eventually appeared at the back post in the 91st minute and finished the move to give Mourinho’s team all three points.
The youngster shared the credit with his teammates, but he also had special praise for the player who supplied his decisive moment.
That assist came from Kylian Mbappe, whose presence has made Espi’s route into the starting XI particularly difficult.
“It’s unbelievable—it’s crazy to watch him train and play. In this case, he set me up for the goal, and I’m very happy for him, too.”
First Madrid derby already has Espi excited
The timing of Espi’s latest contribution could hardly be more interesting, as Real Madrid now face Atletico Madrid on Sunday, giving the forward an opportunity to experience his first Madrid derby.
“I’m really looking forward to it—I’m so excited. It’s my first derby here, and we’re going to go for it.”
For Mourinho, Espi is a useful option when matches become chaotic. He may not yet be a regular starter, but his two appearances on the scoresheet have carried considerably more weight than the minutes he has played.
