Zidane unsure of Isco's future amid talk of summer exit

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is unsure about the future of one of his star attackers after Isco told reporters earlier in the week that he desires more playing time.

The French tactician spoke highly of Isco, who has recorded five goals and five assists thus far this season, approaching his best statistical output with the club.

However, Isco hasn't convinced Zidane of affording him a permanent starting role, leaving the 17-times-capped Spain international uncertain ahead of the summer window.

"He knows that I count on him and that I like him as a player," Zidane told reporters of Isco, as quoted by the club's official website. "I listen to the players and there are no problems. He's very good and you know what I think of him.

"No player is going to be happy with his situation because he will always want to play more, but having games every three days and a big squad means I want everyone to be focused."

Zidane added, "We cannot know what's going to happen in the summer. We are focused on the competition, on the field and nothing else. We'll see what happens in the summer. It's not the important thing at the moment".

Isco and James Rodriguez have had to share the role behind Karim Benzema throughout the season and with Real Madrid still alive and thriving in the Champions League, there are plenty of matches available for both players.

In fact, Zidane confirmed he intends on continuing his rotation policy.

"I don't rotate players just for the sake of it but because they are all important and because I truly believe that every player can make a difference," Zidane explained. "This is what I believe and I transmit it to the players. I'm encouraged by what we're doing now and so are the players."