Isco takes swipe at Zinedine Zidane after his Spain hat-trick
Wednesday 28 March 2018 13:14, UK
Isco said he felt "alive" after his first career hat-trick helped Spain thrash Argentina 6-1 and took a swipe at his club coach Zinedine Zidane.
The Real Madrid playmaker has seen his club football limited in spells under Zidane this season.
However, Isco produced a superb display against Argentina, whose captain Lionel Messi again watched from the stands at the Wanda Metropolitano because of fitness concerns.
Spain had drawn 1-1 against Germany last week and have now extended their unbeaten run under coach Julen Lopetegui to 18 matches.
"In Madrid, I don't have the confidence a player needs, " Isco said in a post-match interview, as quoted by Marca.
Trending
- Papers: Rashford loses Man Utd dressing room after public comments
- 'Cultural overhaul needed' | Neville slams mediocre Man Utd
- Amorim: Anxiety around Old Trafford is affecting our mentality
- Liverpool latest: Wherever I end my career I am happy - Salah
- Impatient Ange vows to never change as Carra questions tactics again
- 'Performance of champions' | Carra praises Liverpool's statement win
- Goals galore! Liverpool trump Spurs in NINE-goal bonanza
- Bournemouth stun Man Utd in Christmas nightmare for Amorim
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Could Maguire leave Man Utd for free next summer?
- Anderson stunned by De Graaf in shock Ally Pally exit
"The matches with the national team give me life. Here, I have the confidence of the coach.
"I want to show that I'm a good player. Lopetegui shows me confidence with the minutes he gives me.
"Maybe I'm the problem in Madrid. I don't know how to win Zidane's confidence."
After Gonzalo Higuain shot wide early on, Diego Costa fired Spain ahead in the 13th minute, before Isco struck either side of a header from Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi.
Thiago Alcantara added a fourth, with substitute Iago Aspas also on the scoresheet before Isco netted his third with 16 minutes left.
"Despite the result, this match wasn't easy," Isco added. "They made things difficult for us, they were very aggressive.
"We mustn't forget that this is part of our preparation for the World Cup. The victory can give us a lot."
Watch Las Palmas v Real Madrid in La Liga live on Sky Sports Mix or SS Football (Red Button) from 5.25pm on Saturday.