Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane lauds in-form Isco
Monday 2 October 2017 00:22, UK
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane claimed Isco was high on confidence and playing without fear after his match-winning double against Espanyol.
Isco scored both goals in a 2-0 victory as champions Real finally secured their first home win of the season in La Liga at the fourth attempt on Sunday.
Zidane feels Isco is growing in influence as he becomes more aware of his importance to the team.
In remarks from his post-match press conference reported by AS, Zidane said: "He has more confidence. He knows now that he is important but he has always been.
"He plays the way he plays on the street - he has no worries and I like it. When things don't work out, he has patience.
"I hope we can see an even better Isco."
Isco played in a central attacking role and linked well with Cristiano Ronaldo, who surprisingly remains without a goal this season.
Zidane, who tasted victory for the 50th time as a manager in La Liga, said: "He's not tired but he has missed a lot of games.
"He is very disappointed because he hasn't scored yet but this is football. I hope in the next game it changes for him but that pass to Isco was phenomenal."
The result lifted Real into fifth but they remain seven points behind leaders Barcelona.
Zidane said: "This is going to be a very complicated league. I think there won't be just two or three teams that can win it. It's going to be more competitive.
"The other teams have reinforced very well and can compete."
Espanyol were outplayed in the first half but trailed only 1-0 at the break and might have levelled when Gerard Moreno hit the post.
They then created a few openings after the break and only saw their challenge end after Isco's second after 71 minutes.
Manager Quique Sanchez Flores felt his team competed well.
He said: "We know we played against the European champions but we were able to go out and compete.
"To see the boys go out and compete in the Bernabeu - it's a growth process. We do not like to lose but we're happy to see a positive performance."
