Football
Adriana Garcia 6y

Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane not concerned by Isco's form, frustration

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane said he will not be swayed by Isco's dazzling Spain performance against Argentina when deciding how much to play him in upcoming games.

Isco expressed frustration over his lack of playing time at Real Madrid after his hat trick in Spain's 6-1 win over Argentina on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old, who also stood out for Spain in the 1-1 draw at Germany on March 23, had played just one full game in his last eight appearances for Zidane and claimed that at Madrid, he "does not have the continuity a player needs."

But because of an injury picked up on international duty, he will not travel with the team to face Las Palmas on Saturday.

"The problem is that I have 25 players and only 11 can start," Zidane said at a news conference on Friday. "[Isco] wants to play more, but so do the rest. Today it can be Isco's problem but tomorrow it could be Gareth [Bale]. I just try to do what is best for the team and manage this situation in the best possible way. I don't see what they do in their national team when making a decision."

Under contract until June 2022, Isco has been linked to moves to both Manchester United and Manchester City. And asked if he would be open to selling Isco this summer, Zidane he would not.

"Isco is of Madrid and will remain here," Zidane said. "I want to keep all of my players. Isco is a player that I like. What he does, he does well. I'm happy with Isco. What I can say about Isco is that he always gives his all."

Zidane insisted he has treated Isco fairly and is happy with his display with the national side.

"I'm not unjust with Isco," Zidane said. "Perhaps he does not have the same starring role here but has proved that he is an important player for the team.

Zidane also addressed his future with Madrid, who are third in La Liga and 15 points adrift of leaders Barcelona with nine games remaining.

In September, the coach signed a new contract that runs until June 2020, but he recently admitted the pressures of working for a top club like Madrid can wear one down.

At the helm since January 2016, Zidane has steered Madrid to a La Liga title, two Champions League trophies and two FIFA Club World Cup triumphs.

"I would like to continue at Real Madrid next season," Zidane said. "But in football, you never know. I do know where I am and if it's up to me, of course I would like to continue."

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