Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane during a press conference at the Etihad Stadium, in Manchester April 25, 2016. (Photo: Reuters)
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane believes a defeat to city rivals Atletico Madrid would not be a failure ahead of both side's UEFA Champions League final showdown on Saturday.
Guiding Real to their 14th European Cup final in their history, rookie coach Zidane – who replaced Rafael Benitez as boss in January - will be looking to avoid finishing the season without any silverware against Atletico.
Having been kicked out of the Copa del Rey for fielding an ineligible player in a 3-1 win over Cadiz in December, before finishing runners-up to Barcelona in La Liga, the Champions League now presents the only chance of silverware for the record 10-time European champions.
"I don't think it'll be a failure if we lose, no one can take away what we have done up until now," ex-midfield star Zidane said during a press conference.
"Failure can come from a bad attitude and if we cannot replicate what we have done in the past that would be a failure, but it's a game of football.
"You don't know what could happen. All I can say is we are very ready for the game.
"I have worked hard with all the players and we deserve to be there. Atletico can say the same. We both deserved to get here.
"I am happy with the work we have achieved and what we have done. We have suffered a lot but that's normal. Without suffering it's impossible to get to a final."
Zidane will be boosted by the news Cristiano Ronaldo is fully fit to take part in the European showpiece after limping off training mid-week due to what then proved to be a minor knock.
The Frenchman, however, will miss compatriot center back Raphael Varane who has been ruled out of this summer's Euro tournament due to a thigh injury.
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