Zidane Takes Responsibility For Real Madrid Copa Del Rey Exit

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has taken full responsibility for Thursday’s early crash out from the Copa del Rey at the hands of Spanish third division side Alcoyano.

Los Blancos lost 2-1 in extra-time in the last 32 with Alcoyano playing the last 10 minutes of the game a man down after Ramon Lopez’s sending off.

“We tried. The players gave their all on the pitch, Zidane said after the match.

“I’m the coach, the responsibility is mine. I’m responsible. We’ve played against a third division team and we should have won but it’s not a disgrace.”

Asked if he is feeling the heat, Zidane said: “I’m calm. We will see what happens in the next few days.”

Casemiro and Lucas Vazquez were the only regulars included in Zidane’s starting XI against Alcoyano.

However, Zidane brought out Karim Benzema after the hour and trio Toni Kroos, Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio at the start of extra time in the hope of finding the winner.

Zidane believes he still has the support of his players.