Zinedine Zidane resigns from head coach of Real Madrid

Zinedine Zidane has decided to step down as the manager of Real Madrid with immediate effect. This is the second time that the French legend has decided to quit as the manager of the club in three years. Multiple reports across Europe confirmed that the three-time Champions League winning manager decided to step down from this role after holding talks with Florentino Perez.

Since it has been a disappointing season for Real Madrid, there was a lot of speculation surrounding Zidane’s future. Real Madrid failed to defend the La Liga title and lost to their city rivals Atletico Madrid. Los Blanco bowed out of the Champions League against Chelsea. Madrid also lost 2-1 to a second division side CD Alcoyano in the Copa Del Rey round of 32 this season. 

Zidane was first unveiled as the manager of Los Blancos in 2016 after the departure of Rafa Benitez. In his very first season at the charge, he tasted success as he won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2016. He helped Real Madrid to become the first team to win three Champions League in a role. Along with success in Europe, Real Madrid also won one La Liga title, UEFA Supercups, and FIFA Club World Cups under the leadership of Zidane.

The French manager left Real Madrid in 2018. Los Blancos brought him back in 2019, but Zidane couldn’t emulate European success like his previous tenure. In his second spell, he did help Real Madrid to win La Liga in 2020.  Zidane’s current contract kept him at the club till 2022 and he had an annual salary of £12 million per year.

Although it is too early to decide Zidane’s next destination, Real Madrid has started to look out for possible replacement after the departure of the Frenchman. Massimiliano Allegri is one of the names that top the list and Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez would love to bring him to the club. 

Real Madrid did not spend a single penny on players last summer. The Spanish club is struggling financially, which explains their persistence with European Super League. The upcoming summer window is pivotal for Los Blancos as they look to strengthen the team along with appointing a top manager.