Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane admits his side 'lacked confidence' after Shakhtar defeat

Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane takes an HOUR to appear for press conference following Shakhtar Donetsk humiliation before admitting: ‘We lacked confidence’

Zinedine Zidane took over an hour to appear in his post-match press conference after his team’s humbling at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk and he then made the shock admission: ‘We lacked confidence.’

The 13-times Champions League winners were without the injured Eden Hazard and Zidane had left Karim Benzema on the bench but his team was still full of internationals and included serial European Cup winners.

‘We lacked the confidence to start the game as we know how,’ he said. ‘In the first half I did not see the team I wanted to see and that is my fault.’

Zinedine Zidane admitted that his Real Madrid side lacked confidence after Shakhtar defeat

Zinedine Zidane admitted that his Real Madrid side lacked confidence after Shakhtar defeat

Manor Solomon celebrates putting Shakhtar 3-0 up on Wednesday night in Madrid

Manor Solomon celebrates putting Shakhtar 3-0 up on Wednesday night in Madrid

Real Madrid take on Barcelona on Saturday at the Nou Camp having now lost to newly promoted Cadiz and group outsiders Shakhtar.

‘I have to find the solutions that will make us be strong again and get back to winning,’ added Zidane.

The coach’s surprising remarks regarding a lack of belief echoed those of Luka Modric.

Vinicius Jnr reduced the deficit to one goal but Shakhtar held on for a surprise victory

Vinicius Jnr reduced the deficit to one goal but Shakhtar held on for a surprise victory

He said: ‘We were not at the level required for this competition. The manager has said to us that we have to press more effectively. We have to improve.

‘We have to be united now. The next game will come quickly and we have to play better. We lacked confidence.’

Asked if his team had failed to show the right attitude Zidane said: ‘We lacked a bit of everything but confidence is the most important thing.’

source: dailymail.co.uk