We Deserved Much More Than Atletico Bilbao – Zidane

Zinedine Zidane has talked about his disappointment with the result but not the performance after his team missed a chance to cut the eight point gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona by drawing 0-0 at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening.

With his side not ceasing the advantage of Barcelona’s 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo earlier in the day, the Los Blancos coach claimed at the postgame news conference that his team had deserved more and he was disappointed for his players who had made a huge effort.

“I am very disappointed given the game we played,” Zidane said. “We knew we had the chance to cut the gap. We did everything and deserved more today, but in the end did not manage to score that goal. We played very well, made chances, but the ball would not go in.

“I am very disappointed for the players, with the effort they put in. For them it is difficult. It would have been phenomenal to cut the gap today.There are three teams ahead who have more points, and deserve that.

“We are a bit back, but this is very long. We will have other chances to make up the gap on those above, for sure.”

Zidane did not deny a suggestion that a lack of goal scoring was main reason for his team being in fourth spot with their fewest points at this stage since 2008-09.

“Yes, if you score a goal you make up the two points,” he said. “Today and at Atletico Madrid [0-0 two weeks ago] we deserved much more than the opponent. We played well, but just lacked a goal. If we scored in these games we’d have more more points. The goal is the most difficult thing to do.

“I remain positive and know this will change. I remember last season we scored late in games, this year we are not doing it, but for sure that will change.”