Zidane faltering – but where are Real Madrid’s stars?

Is Zidane really the only one responsible for Real Madrid’s failings?

Spanish football is renowned for many things – from its technical effervescence to its jovial atmosphere. The managerial merry-go-round, however, is one of its less praiseworthy features. Real Madrid’s recent struggles and the coverage Zidane has received are testament to that.

From the day the Frenchman stepped into the Bernabéu hot-seat, he was deemed unworthy by many. His critics refused to romanticise the return of one of Madrid’s most heralded sons. Zidane was a tactical novice, and he was simply incapable of guiding the side to success.

Just a few months later, Los Blancos stood on the podium in Milan, hoisting the Champions League title to club faithful. European success was their God-given right, after all. A 13-point gap at the top of the La Liga table had been narrowed to just one point, with an incredible winning streak rejuvenating the team.

A year later, in Cardiff, Madrid accomplished what no club had accomplished before them in the Champions League era. Zidane’s men annihilated the best defence in Europe on their way to successive titles – and this time, they added the La Liga title to their trophy cabinet as well. The second-season curse as many call it in the footballing world – was broken.

In the midst of it all, Zidane had propelled himself to managerial greatness. His critics were silenced, and his methods became unquestionable. The players were thriving in a tactically-minimalist system, free to exhibition their talents to the world. Now, the same players look absolutely devoid of motivation or ideas – but how did it come to this?

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Admittedly, Zidane’s weaknesses have to the fore during Madrid’s current debacle. His tactical adaptability is lacking, while his stubbornness towards upholding his values is both admirable and infuriating. The players, however, have not been held accountable for their torrid displays. Fans and critics alike have an age-old habit of chastising whoever occupies the dug-out, but the responsibility needs to be shared by those on the field.

Ronaldo and Benzema have let chance after chance go begging. Modric, Kroos, and Isco have seen their creative influence wane. Most importantly, the defence has been inundated with glaring individual errors. Stratagem aside, these are players expected to carry the side to greatness in the toughest of times, and they have failed emphatically in that respect.

A lack of motivation, as many have cited, is inexcusable for those that are paid millions to wear the historic crest of Real Madrid. Their fitness levels are seemingly adequate, but their minds have been led astray – and the club needs to question it. Losing valuable squad players is another common excuse, but is equally laughable given that some of the club’s poorest performances have come from its most star-laden line-ups.

Next: Real Madrid are staring down a black hole

Managerial expertise may be critical to success in professional football, but it is overly simplistic to allow the players a free pass on the guillotine. And whether Zidane saves his job or not, there will be plenty of explaining to do for those donning the white shirt.