Zidane's Optimism Amidst The Sterility Of Real Madrid's Attack Line

JAKARTA - Real Madrid closed 2019 with unsatisfactory results. Zinedine Zidane's squad was only able to play goalless with Athletic Bilbao at the Santiago Bernabeu, Sunday, December 22 evening.

With this result, Los Blancos have completed their one point in three consecutive matches. Previously this happened when they visited Valencia (1-1) and in the El Clasico match against Barcelona (0-0) at the Camp Nou.

However, despite admitting to being frustrated with the final result, Zidane praised the efforts made by his players. He remains optimistic, especially after playing three difficult matches in the last week.

"I was annoyed with my players after the game ended," Zizou told his post-match press conference. Derived from Marca.

"(But) they played amazingly, and gave more than 100 per cent of their ability on the pitch. I was (just) disappointed with the end result.

"I am also happy with the evolution of this team since I came back, and I believe we have improved a lot and will do well in 2020."

Regarding the lack of goals scored by Madrid in recent weeks, Zizou insists he is still happy with his attacking options. For information, Madrid only scored three goals in five La Liga matches in December.

"I will not sign a new striker in the transfer window (January). I don't need it. I am not worried about this situation and I will remain calm because we have made real progress (compared to last season)," the coach explained.

However, although Zizou insists he will not sign a new striker next month, a number of players are reported to be leaving the Santiago Bernabeu in the next few weeks.

Striker Mariano Diaz is almost certain to leave the Capital club with interest coming both from fellow Spanish and Italian clubs. Meanwhile Alvaro Odriozola and Luka Jovic have been linked with permanent moves as well as loans.

👔🎙 #Zidane: "It was a complete match in every sense. I am upset for my players, because the effort was there. They had chances, they went after the win." #RMLiga | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/5Gslch631O

- Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 22, 2019