ISCO’S Real Madrid hell has sunk to new depths after boss Zinedine Zidane overlooked the Spain midfielder in favour of using his kids.
Los Blancos are in the midst of an injury crisis but rather than use the 28-year-old with 38 international caps – Zidane has looked to blood some exciting youngsters.
Isco has slipped way down Zinedine Zidane’s Real Madrid pecking orderCredit: Getty Images – Getty
The reigning LaLiga champs had looked like they would only be able to name ONE sub against Getafe on Tuesday with the likes of Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard sidelined.
And former Tranmere Rovers player Marvin Park, 20, made his first start for Madrid in the 2-0 win.
While Isco had to settle for a place on the bench but the fact 19-year-old midfielder Sergio Arribas was called upon before him signals the rift between player and coach.
The result pulled Real back into second place as they look to keep pace with Diego Simeone’s table-topping Atletico Madrid – who are five points ahead with two games in hand.
Former Malaga star Isco was given 15 minutes at the end by Zidane who shut down talk there was anything sinister behind his lack of game time.
After the game, the Frenchman said: “Isco couldn’t start.
“He has only trained once with the team. That’s why I gave him 15 minutes. That’s all.”
Isco reportedly wants to quit the club after his relationship breakdown with Zidane.
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Isco is said to have fallen out with Real Madrid boss ZidaneCredit: Alamy Live News
He is said to have been humiliated by assistant boss David Bettoni – filling in for Covid-hit Zidane – choosing to sub on Arribas ahead of him against Levante on January 30.
Isco has been linked with a move to a number of the Premier League’s top six sides and was most recently rumoured to be heading to Arsenal before the Gunners opted to sign his team-mate Martin Odegaard on loan in January.
After watching his men win back to back games for the first time in 2021, Zidane reiterated his belief that they can still reclaim their league crown.
He added: “It will not change anything, we will do our thing. Our duty is to fight, to continue with our work, without paying attention to others.
“It’s a good win. They are two consecutive victories, we needed it. Also with many injuries. We needed it now.
“I don’t think there are Madridistas who think we’re going to lose the league. On the contrary, they think we can always change things and that is what we are going to try to do.
“With difficulties, it is clear, but we continue to do our thing. You have to keep fighting, little by little.”
Football star Isco shows off his skills at the Real Madrid training ground
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
