Zidane has personality. He probably can't make his president buy him the players he wants, but he surely picks his own team. I love it.
This is the trial by fire for Kovacic - let's see what he's made of. I have always been hesitant in the past to endorse him because he tends to make a careless pass or dribble that allows the opponent to capitalize, and that's why I wouldn't start him in a big game. This is his chance to prove me wrong. And I hope he does, because otherwise I can see his minutes get highly curtailed during the season. Come on Kova!
Huge move of confidence to Kova. Hopefully he delivers and like @natenate101 said he plays TOUGH. He impressed at times in preseason only to make a mistake leading to goal( last season too). I'm guessing Isco comes in for him if he is struggling though. I want to see Mariano for Morata too.
Kovacic better show us something today. Zizou showing a lot of confidence in him. According to him whenever he's done that the player has responded. Vamos Madrid!!!!! Let's do this.
Yes I agree. I'm curious to see if Morata is still bothered by the foot "injury" he suffered earlier this week too.
Unlike the vast majority, I thought Kovacic got much better as the pre-season went on. I thought his game vs. Sevilla was excellent. Hope he comes out and builds on it today because he just got a huge boost of confidence from his coach. I think this hurts more for Isco then it does for James.
I just returned from vacation, and boy what a way to finish them with the very first La Liga Real Madrid game! Wow, that lineup shocked me! No Modric worries me immensely, Kovacic better step up. Is Navas injured or something? Why did he call Kiko? Damn Zidane has balls, but in him I trust. HALA MADRID!!
You're really been out of the loop ey. Navas had Achilles' tendon injury. Hasn't played a second of preseason ball. Luka is suspended due to card accumulation from last season. Benzema is also injured.