In a surprise press conference held yesterday at 11 AM, the entire world of soccer was caught off-guard as Zinedine Zidane announced his immediate resignation as manager of Real Madrid. This decision comes only days after he led his team to a 3rd consecutive Champions League title, an unprecedented feat in the competition’s current format.
“I have decided not to be Real Madrid manager next season. I spoke to Florentino Perez [RM president] to tell him my thoughts, my feelings. I know it’s strange at the moment for everyone involved – the players, the club, and myself. But I believe this is the right decision. I think this team needs to keep winning, but I think after three years a change is needed. Something different, a different message.”
In the press-conference, Florentino Perez remarked that despite Zidane’s sudden departure, this is not a “good bye” but a “see you soon,” alluding to a potential return in the future. It’s unclear whether Zidane will continue his managerial career this season or opt for a well-deserved vacation from the stress of managing a club.
The Frenchman was a Real Madrid club legend as a player, having won the Champions League with the team back in 2002 while scoring one of the most memorable goals of the competition in the final.
Zidane took over the Real Madrid post in January 2016 following the sacking of Rafa Benitez. His only managerial experience up to that point was coaching Real Madrid’s B team – RM Castilla. Previously, he had served as assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti during the 2013/14 season.
The very season he took over from Rafa, Zidane went on to win the Champions League by overcoming arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the final via extra time. The following season, he repeated that success by beating Juventus 3:1, the same scoreline as this year’s final triumph against Liverpool.
Despite Real Madrid’s monumental Champions League success during Zidane’s tenure, there was plenty of speculation he might leave the club in January. The club was knocked out by Leganes in the Copa del Rey, while performing quite poorly in the league. In fact, their weak performances outside the Champions League were the cause of plenty of rumors that Zidane may be in for an early exit in January, but his 3rd CL trophy in succession overshadowed Madrid’s otherwise disappointing displays.
This may mark the end of an extremely dominant era by the Royal Club. They had won the Champions League 4 times in the last 5 years. Zidane has never lost a final in any competition managing the club, winning 8 out of 8 times.
Zidane’s shoes won’t be easy to fill, and whichever manager comes next will have a mountain of expectations on his back. Real Madrid is a club with one of the highest manager turnover rates in the world, having gone through 13 managers in the past 15 years, some of which lasted only half a season.
Luckily, this is a good summer if you’re a club looking for a new manager, as a number of high-profile names are up for grabs. Let’s go through the most likely candidates and their respective odds.
Conte is still officially Chelsea’s manager, but the club is already looking for his replacement, while Conte himself will be looking for a new club. The Italian is known as a master tactician who prefers a 3-at-the-back system and a more rigid structure that relies on counter-attacks. One of his career hallmarks is leading a mediocre Italy side to the semi-finals at the Euro 2016. He has also won league titles with Chelsea and Juventus, but his predominantly-defensive playstyle makes him an unlikely choice, unless he can make promises to adapt his style to Real Madrid’s needs. He would certainly have the players to do so.
Pochettino is probably number one on Perez’s target list due to his pressing-oriented, modern playstyle and excellent man-management skills. But getting him may prove an impossible task. Not only is Daniel Levy, Tottenham’s chairman, a notorious negotiator, but Pochettino has expressed his loyalty to his club by recently signing a fresh 5-year contract.
Moreover, Tottenham may be entering one of the best periods of their existence as they are about to move into their new £1bn stadium. As a former Espanyol player who spent 9 years as a player in Spain, Poch may be an option for the future, but it’s highly improbable he leaves this summer – it would be out of character for such a man of principle.
Wenger was pushed out of Arsenal following his 22-year-long tenure at the club, but he is already looking for a new challenge. What better challenge than Real Madrid? I have no doubts Wenger himself is interested in becoming their next manager, but Perez may have other thoughts.
Wenger’s performance in the past 5 to 10 years has been rather underwhelming. Some argue Arsene’s failure to challenge for the Premier League title in recent years is a result of the club’s poor monetary policy and lack of quality in crucial positions. This may as well be true, but with no significant trophy to his name since 2004, Wenger remains an outside pick for this one.
It’s yet unclear whether Allegri will continue at Juventus or not, but Zidane’s sudden departure may prove the catalyst if the Spanish club is to seek his services. Allegri has an impressive career record. With Juventus, he won Serie A and Coppa Italia 4 times in succession, while finishing Champions League runner-up on two occasions.
On paper, Allegri may seem like the perfect fit, but much like Conte, he often prefers a conservative playstyle that relies on absorbing pressure and hitting on the counter-attack. In fact, many blame his poor tactical decisions and refusal to attack for losing the 16/17 season CL final to Real Madrid. Then again, this is nothing that can’t be remedied; Allegri has proven his tactical prowess time and time again. If he can’t adapt, then who can? His nearly impeccable managerial record is why I consider him the second-most-likely choice.
Last but not least, we have Guti, a man who I consider the most likely candidate to succeed Zinedine Zidane. Guti is a club legend who was a brilliant playmaker during his time as a player in Madrid. He currently manages Real Madrid Juvenil, the club’s U19 side, with good results to show for his work. It’s evident Guti lacks the experience of managing a big club, but so did Zidane himself. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the club goes a similar route as their last appointment and hires yet another club legend to take over the club. Much like Zidane, Guti is a respected figure in Real Madrid, which may be important for reigning in the egos of their star-studded squad.
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