Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane claims La Liga will be tougher this year

Bengaluru, August 20: Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has said that the competition for La Liga defence will be tougher than ever this season as the Los Blancos kick off their campaign on Sunday (August 20) evening at Deportivo La Coruna.

Zidane's side have won Seven competition in the last two years and are currently favourites for the title. Madrid won the La Liga title last year on the last day of the season, however, Zidane suggested they are not getting overboard with the previous results and it will be tough this season to carry the same form whole year.

"We are in a very good moment and must take advantage of it," he said.

"Winning La Liga last year was the best thing that happened to me in my career. We know it is very difficult to win, and taking it in the last game is something exceptional.

"Such consistency in the team is something fantastic, so the feeling is different from any other trophy. This year we want to do it again. We can always improve -- that is the objective for us. We know this year will be more difficult."

Madrid travel to Depertivo with an impressive record, having won their last nine matches against them in all competitions, and they thrashed 6-2 at Riazor the last term, however, Zidane stated his team have to now fight for every match like that way.

"They are a good team with good players and good fans," he said. "Every opponent always wants to win against Madrid. It is an important game for every team, but we think the same ourselves. If you want to win a league, which will be very long, you must start well.

"Every game will require a tremendous effort from us. We must try and begin in the best way possible."

Madrid will be without three first-team players for the match as Jesus Vallejo and Mateo Kovacic are out injured whereas Cristiano Ronaldo is facing four matches ban after receiving a red card for pushing the referee in the Super Cup final against Barcelona.