Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has taken his team’s loss to Valencia with equanimity.

Los Blancos were defeated 2-1 by Marcelino’s Champions League chasing Valencia on Wednesday, however the Frenchman declined to draw too many conclusions from the result.

He however refused to criticise his players, after they slipped to a first defeat since his return to the club in March.

“I cannot criritcise my players for anything, they played well and worked hard.

“Tonight we faced a good team and of course a loss always hurts.”

The 46 year-old has frequently been quoted as already looking ahead to next season, and he indicated that he already has plans in place for the 2019-20 season.

“It is complicated at the moment, and this month has been difficult, but we have to focus on our remaining games.

“However conversations will take place in the next month and decisions about next season will be made.”