This season has been a challenging one for both Real Madrid and manager Zinedine Zidane. They’ve been hit with COVID-19 cases, injuries and a colossal blunder by their president with the botched unveiling of the European Super League.
No one would have been surprised if Zidane had simply had enough of dealing with the outside distractions and simply called it quits at the end of the season.
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According to Goal, that’s exactly what he told his players. The report claimed that the Frenchman broke the news to the players before the 2-2 draw against Sevilla.
The players feared he would take the decision to leave as they too could see he was fed up.
However, after the 1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao, a win that kept their title hopes alive, the manager came out and denied those rumors.
"“How could I tell the players I’m leaving now? We’re giving our everything for the title and I just say ‘by the way, I’m off’?,” Zidane said. “People outside the club can say whatever they like but I would never, ever say that to my players.”Source: Goal"
Real Madrid planning for life after Zidane.
Despite Zidane’s words, the club are planning next season with the possibility that he may no longer be in charge.
According to ESPN, Real Madrid already have a short list of candidates lined up that include names such as Max Allegri, Roberto Martinez and club legend Raul.
Zidane has not made a final decision on whether he is staying or not but it will be up to him. He’s done enough as manager to earn that right. Firing him is not something Florentino Perez would want to do PR wise considering where he stands on that front at the moment.
Still, the feeling from the players is that an exit is more likely than not.
Real Madrid remain alive in the La Liga title race. They were in first before a miraculous comeback by Atletico Madrid against Osasuna.
A winner will be crowned on the last day of fixtures. Madrid face off against Villarreal and if it is Zidane’s swan song, there is nothing the players would want to do more than see him off with one more title.