Nicolas Anelka has offered his support to Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane as Los Merengues slip further off the pace in La Liga.
Zidane replaced Rafael Benitez as coach of Los Blancos earlier in the season, and while the club legend is yet to lose a match and has overseen a fine run of form, his side were held 1-1 at Malaga on Sunday.
Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring, but missed a penalty, as the home side claimed a point when Raul Albentosa bagged a 66th-minute equaliser.
With Los Merengues dropping points—alongside their city rivals Atletico Madrid—Barcelona extended their advantage at the top of La Liga. After 25 matches, Barca have accrued 63 points, and find themselves eight points clear of Atleti, and nine ahead of Real.
Even though Zidane’s side will now require a major slip up from Barca to unseat their rivals at the top of the table, Anelka has questioned whether Zizou can handle the pressure at the Bernabeu.
“He loves football, and has the skills,” Anelka began, speaking to France Football [as per Goal], “he started with some great victories at the Bernabeu and I’m happy for him.
“But this is only the beginning,” he continued, “and the road is long.
“At Real, the pressure is very strong,” he went on, “and you’re never quite at peace.”
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