MADRID: Zinedine Zidane on Friday said that he hoped Lionel Messi and Sergio Ramos won’t have played their last Clasicos come the end of the season, with doubts over the futures of the Barcelona and Real Madrid captains ahead of a huge La Liga encounter.
Both players’ contracts are up at the end of the campaign and Messi is yet to commit to a new deal with Barca after trying to force an exit last summer.
When asked if Saturday’s clash in the Spanish capital would be the last of the pair’s careers at Spain’s top two clubs, Madrid coach Zidane said: “I hope not.”
“Sergio is not going to play tomorrow. It’s sad, but I really hope that he will stay here,” the Frenchman added of the injured 35-year-old.
Zidane also said he hoped Messi would remain at Barca for the good of Spanish football, joking “let him stay at Barcelona — he’s doing very well there!“
Barca and reigning champions Madrid are both trying to chase down league leaders Atletico Madrid, whose defeat at Sevilla last Sunday allowed their rivals to move within touching distance of the summit.
Madrid are three points behind their city rivals in third, while second-placed Barca are a point closer, meaning whoever wins at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium will knock Atletico off the top for the first time since December after ruthlessly chipping away at what was a 10-point lead in February.
Zidane, whose team impressed in a 3-1 Champions League win over Liverpool this week, appeared confident ahead of a crucial fixture in his attempt to retain his team’s league title.
“We have been very good recently, consistent,” he said.
“And not just with the ball, we have improved defensively too. We know that regardless of what we have done up to now, we will have to play well tomorrow.”
'The best Messi'
Barca boss Ronald Koeman also wants Messi and Ramos to both stay, telling reporters “the best thing for La Liga is that the best players keep playing until the last possible moment.”
The 58-year-old said he was hoping for “the best Messi” as his team hope to extend a six-match league winning run which has come thanks in large part to the Argentine playmaker’s sparkling recent form.
The 33-year-old has scored 23 La Liga goals — 10 of those coming in his last eight appearances — and set up eight more this term to give Barca a fighting chance of finishing top of the pile after a troubled start to the season dominated by his efforts to leave and the club’s serious financial difficulties.
“We need the best Barca to win. We will have to do everything perfectly, the attack, our movement, our passing game, and for that you need Leo,” said the Dutch coach, whose team haven’t lost in La Liga since early December.
Koeman will be boosted by the return from injury of Spain defenders Gerard Pique and Sergi Roberto.
“They are two important players, not only for their quality on the field but also for their personalities,” said Koeman.
“They lack a bit of rhythm, but they are strong physically and are keen to help the team.”
