Real Madrid: 5 things we learned from their Copa del Rey exit to Celta Vigo
By Thuya Kyaw
4. Zinedine Zidane’s tactics have not worked
2016 was a great year for Zinedine Zidane. In his first year as a top flight coach, the Frenchman has won three titles while setting a new Spanish record for an unbeaten streak.
It looked like he could do no wrong as every decision or tactical plan worked extremely well for the 44-year-old.
However, things aren’t going well at all in the new year. Zidane has been having a tough time dealing with injuries and all his tactical switches are making players uncomfortable rather than his opponents.
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His decision to play three at the back against Sevilla backfired as they suffered a 2-1 loss in Andalusia. Zidane again came out with a three in the back formation on Wednesday, this time sticking Casemiro as the center back and Danilo as the right wingback, it was disastrous to say the least.
Casemiro looked very uncomfortable throughout the match at the center of the defense, while fielding Danilo and Marco Asensio in their unfamiliar wing back positions have left a lot of space in the back for Celta to exploit.
The home side took advantage of Madrid’s tactical mistakes, as they scored twice and had 10 shots in total.
The elimination might make Zidane wonder what could’ve happened had he stick with four in the back by fielding either Fabio Coentrao or the young Achraf Hakimi from Castilla.