Real Madrid, Zidane and the January window

The opinion of Amalio Moratalla

Posted Saturday, February 03, 2018 by Marca.com

Looking over the teams who decided to strengthen in the winter transfer window, and at those who didn't, in LaLiga at least only one team has refused to make additions: Real Madrid.

Although I am not a fan of these transfer windows, it surprises me that, given everything that is going on in 'the white house', not a single player was to Zinedine Zidane's taste.

The reality is that, after the Kepa Arrizabalaga affair, this was to be expected. Although I didn't imagine that it would be the case that, with a lack of goals despite the last two thrashings, there is not a single goalscorer in the footballing world available that could strengthen the lack of power in the Real Madrid squad.

On the other hand, the position of the club, and in particular the coach, is coherent.

They have grown tired of repeating that they don't need anyone, that they don't want anyone and that the players they have are the best around.

Looking at it like that, why save, sign and spend? Zidane has it clear who will play, so why fill the bench with youngsters who he won't call upon?

Is this making things clear with personality and broad shoulders, or being stubborn? There is a fine margin between the two.

The easy option is to allow some signings, but as he knows that his starting XI is untouchable if BBC are fit, he doesn't want problems down the line and clashes inside his home.

It is already complicated with Isco and Marco Asensio, albeit to a lesser extent, in terms of how to make all of the ingredients happy enough to make a difference.

The tactical understanding between the coach and his players is based on self-protection, respect and a united group that think that this position of 'we are who we are and we will get results' is the right way to go.

It doesn't seem bad to me, but given what others have done, the money that has been spent and how the medical room is ahead of the PSG game just around the corner, I don't know if I wouldn't have invested in a January transfer market which became such a huge window.

Zidane, for better or for worse, wanted it like this, and he will take the slack for his decision.