Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Atletico Madrid, Zinedine Zidane made interesting comments about Real Madrid’s trip to Barcelona on May 6. According to the Blancos boss, his players will not give the Blaugrana a guard of honor if Messi and Co. head into El Clasico as league champion.
It was a similar debate that faced the Catalan giant prior to their 3-0 win at Santiago Bernabeu in December. Real Madrid, who was struggling with form back then, entered that clash with Valverde’s side having just won the FIFA Club World Cup.
Many wondered whether Barcelona would honor their bitter rival before the Blaugrana announced their decision to opt against it. Zidane insists that decision broke tradition and that his team will not honor the league leaders under any circumstance.
"I don't understand the guard of honor and it won't take place, although we are far from the end of the season,” the Frenchman said, as per Marca.
"Barcelona broke the tradition."
Gerard Pique, an outspoken critic of Real Madrid, was asked for his thoughts on this topic shortly after the 3-1 victory over Leganes in La Liga. The center-back profited from this opportunity by taking a jibe at Zidane’s side.
The 31-year-old gave a sarcastic response to Zizou remarks. He told Movistar Partidazo: "I'm not going to sleep tonight.”
Of course, Barcelona will not care too much about Blancos’ refusal to give them a guard of honor, as their only focus will be on winning La Liga. Similarly, Zidane should not be distracted by Pique’s burn as his focus will be on the club’s crucial Madrid Derby.
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