Zidane: It will be a tough match

"Tomorrow will be a tough match and we're playing away from home," declared the Real coach. "We need to do what we've done so far and start well.

"The Champions League is different to La Liga, we're coming up against a good side that plays good football. At the same time, I feel calm because we've worked well in the week."

The former France star also spoke about Francesco Totti whom he came across in the 2006 World Cup final won by Italy.

"The decision on his future is up to him. Everything that he's done so far has been a spectacle for us all. He's performed brilliantly and he's achieved all he has achieved for Roma. There's nothing else for me to do than doff my cap to him.

"Let's see whether he carries on playing next season. For anyone who loves football, it's always a pleasure to watch people like him compete."

Madrid have played Italian sides eight times in the last 29 years in Europe without managing to eliminate a single one. Can your Real do it?

"Let's hope so. We have the first of an extremely difficult two-legged affair tomorrow. It's a very important game but it lasts 180 minutes."

How is Marcelo doing?

"He will only play if he's feeling good and he's at 100%. I think he's fit, we'll see today how he trains and how he is during the night. It's important to be in top condition for a competition like this."

You won the ninth Champions League title in Real's history as a player and then the tenth as assistant coach. Do you need to give special motivation to your players?

"It is a special competition for myself, the club and especially the players. We all know about the history and Real's relationship with this tournament, but the most important thing is that we all get ourselves ready for games like tomorrow. And I think we are. We're doing well physically too, but the only thing we're certain about is that we will give everything and do everything."

Is there more pressure around making your debut in the Champions League as a player or as a coach?

"There is pressure but that is right going into a game like this. The players are very concentrated. When I see them like this, I become calmer."