Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane believes that a Barcelona team can never be underestimated even without the mercurial presence of Neymar in their ranks, although the French manager agrees that the Catalans will find it difficult to replace the Brazilian sensation.
Zidane traveled to Barcelona with his team for the Spanish Super Cup first leg tomorrow at the Camp Nou as he gears up to face Ernesto Valverde’s men in what promises to be a pulsating El Clasico to kick off the new season.
The Frenchman spoke to Marca ahead of the clash against Barcelona as he said, “Whoever plays tomorrow will not be Neymar, because he is very good, but they will do well. There are not many players like Neymar.”
Despite the loss of Neymar, Zidane believes Barcelona are a force to reckon with as this Barcelona team will perform as they are designed to play attacking football.
He said, “On the contrary, they (Barcelona) have made changes but in the end Barcelona are Barcelona. We know how they play and that’s not going to change, their plans will not change.”
Zidane went on to say that he still believes Neymar is irreplaceable but there will be another player stepping in his shoes regardless of what happens.
The 45-year-old French manager said, “I said that there is no other like Neymar, he is irreplaceable, but there is another that will come in and do well. If we think tomorrow will be easier, then we are wrong.”
After winning the UEFA Super Cup against Manchester United, Zidane says that his team is ready to win another title in the form of the Spanish Super Cup.
Zidane looked forward at the mammoth season-opener as he concluded, “It is the Supercopa and it has a special value because it’s another trophy. We know it’s something more when it’s Barcelona, as for many people it’s a game against our biggest rival, but for me it does not change anything.”