Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Ronaldo was essential but Real Madrid will develop - Nacho

Real Madrid defender Nacho said his team-mates have "great confidence" in their ability to succeed this season without Zinedine Zidane and Cristiano Ronaldo, despite admitting the pair had become "essential" to the club.

Head coach Zidane left the club after guiding Madrid to a third consecutive Champions League title in 2017-18 and was replaced by Julen Lopetegui.

The Frenchman's departure preceded Ronaldo's €112million (£100m/$130m) transfer to Juventus, leaving Los Blancos without their all-time leading goal-scorer going into 2018-19.

Nacho, who played all 90 minutes of Madrid's 2-0 victory over Getafe in their opening La Liga match of the season, told GQ magazine that the loss of Zidane and Ronaldo had only strengthened his side's resolve.