Zidane keeps the faith in Real Madrid style
Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says his confidence in the players and the team's style has not waned despite its difficult start to the season.
A return of just three wins from its first six LaLiga games has seen the champion fall seven points behind Barcelona in the table, while its opening UEFA Champions League win against APOEL came despite a somewhat unconvincing display.
Madrid takes on Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday (AEST) at Signal Iduna Park, where it has never managed to win in European competition, and the form of Peter Bosz's side has left many predicting a victory for the Bundesliga leaders.
Zidane, however, insists he believes in what Madrid are doing and says their domestic struggles are largely because LaLiga is the most difficult league in the world.
"We're okay. We got a victory last time out and we're happy to play on a beautiful pitch, where they breathe Champions League football," he told a news conference.
"It's true we've never won here and it's a challenge for us. We want to play a good game of football.
"I'm not worried about conceding chances against the opposition. What worries us is playing good football, but the opponents are there to put you in difficulty.
"I believe in what we're doing and the players we have. If we score goals tomorrow, great, but we have to keep doing the same at the weekend.
"LaLiga is the most complicated, the most difficult. For us, the difficulty is maintaining a high level.
"It can happen that we're not brilliant, but I am not worried about how we will play this year."
Toni Kroos is back in the squad after recovering from injury and Zidane says the Germany star looks to be in good condition ahead of the game.
"Kroos looks good and we know his importance to the team," he said.
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid in numbers:
9 - This is the ninth game between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League since 2012-2013, more than any other fixture in the competition over that period.
0 - Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid is the fixture that has been played more times than any other in the Champions League without producing a red card (12 games, 0 red).
