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Zidane stuns football world as he leaves Real Madrid

Neill Simpson 31 st May 2018

Nobody saw this coming! Barely five days after Real Madrid secured a hat-trick of Champions League wins, manager Zinedine Zidane has stunned the footballing world by deciding to leave his roles as manager at the club.

The 45-year-old called a press conference with a dejected Real Madrid President Florentino Perez, where he dropped the bombshell to the Spanish media.

“I have taken the decision to not continue going into the next season. For me and for everybody, I think the moment to change has arrived. It was not an easy decision.”

“I love this club, I love the president,” he said. “He gave me the opportunity to come as a player and now manager and I am eternally grateful.

But we have to change.”

“I think the players need a change but I should thank them because at the end of the day it’s them that fight out there and this is a club of very high expectations.

“We always want more and more, I couldn’t ask for more from these players but now is the time for them to have a different voice in the changing room. The squad already knows. I’ve not talked to them all individually but they all know, by message, yes. I spoke with the captains and with Sergio Ramos.”

Zidane stressed that he isn’t looking for another club and will be taking time out: “I’m not going to coach another team right now. I’m not looking for another team.”

A clearly upset Perez has forged a close bond with Zidane after bringing him to Real back in 2001 as a player, then in 2016 as the manager. However, despite this, he admitted he was left stunned by the unexpected decision.

“It is a sad day for me, the fans and the players.

“But he knows I wanted him as a player and as a manager. I wanted him to stay forever and I wanted to convince him to stay. But I know it was his final decision. All I want to do is remind him that this club is his home and family.”

Perez continued: “I went to his house to see if he was prepared. He told me that he was convinced he wanted to go.

“I want to thank him for his commitment and passion to Real Madrid. His behaviour has always been an example for all and representative of Real. I don’t want this to be a goodbye but a “see you soon”. I have no doubt he will come back soon.”

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague on Zidane’s departure

During his two-and-a-half-year spell in charge of the club, Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cup’s, two FIFA Club World Cups’, the La Liga title in 2016/17 and the Supercopa de Espana, a win ratio of 69% or a trophy every 16 matches!

The big question now is who will take over? This is something Perez will need to move quick on, especially considering there is much doubt about the future of both Bale and Ronaldo.

Arsene Wenger has emerged as early favourite alongside Antonio Conte who is expected to leave Chelsea. Former Napoli manager Maurizio Sarri was expected to join Chelsea, although he could very well change his mind if Real came calling. And then there is Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino despite signing a new deal with Spurs last week.

My feeling is that they will look at Wenger over the next few years with a view of bringing on another former Real player Guti who is currently involved in the club on the youth side.

Here is some reaction on Zidane’s sudden departure.

 

 

 

Neill Simpson 31st May 2018