'We're not going to sh*t our pants'

Talking about the mood in the Madrid camp ahead of the season-defining game, Zizou said: "We're in good spirits, we're prepared for a big game. All the players like these games."

He then spoke out about certain players in particular, notably Karim Benzema whose come under increasing scrutiny recently: "I'm going to defend my players until the end, because they're the ones that give me satisfaction every day. Sometimes we miss but they fight and carry on. I'll continue to support all of my players."

The Frenchman was also gushing about his opposite number, Jupp Heynckes, who was recently saw his side Bayern Munich crowned champions of Germany: "I have the utmost respect for him. What he did at Madrid, at Bayern... It's admirable, I only have good words to say about him."

In front of the world's media, the Real Madrid boss was careful not to be too optimistic about his side's chances in the competition: "Rather than thinking in winning the Champions League we're concentrating on playing a good game. Every player wants to play in these sorts of games... I have no doubt that we'll be at 150 per cent."

Finally, referring to previous allegations made against his side's tendency to fear big games such as the one they'll line-up in on Wednesday night, Zidane gave a clear answer: "We are not going to sh*t our pants, we don't do that, we like to play in these games."