Zinedine Zidane has stepped down as Real Madrid manager just five days after leading them to a third straight Champions League triumph. The Frenchman told a news conference that "everything changes" and "that's why I took this decision". He leaves Real Madrid having guided the Spanish club to three successive Champions League titles and one La Liga success since taking over in January 2016.
"I love this club," Zidane added, "What I think is that this team needs to continue winning but I think it needs a change, a different voice, another methodology. his is the right moment for all involved - for me, for the squad, for the club."
Zidane, 45, took over after Rafael Benitez was sacked and was in charge for 149 games. He steered Real to 104 wins and 29 draws, had 69.8% win rate, and won nine trophies. However, the Madrid club finished third in La Liga in 2017-18 - a total of 17 points behind champions and fierce rivals Barcelona. They were also knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stage by Leganes. Then Zidane said would walk away if he felt "there is nothing more to give".
The timing of his announcement came as a shock just days after Real beat Liverpool 3-1 in the Champions League final. That win saw ZZ join Bob Paisley (three at Liverpool) and Carlo Ancelotti (AC Milan two, Real Madrid one) as the only managers to have won the Champions League/European Cup three times.
Now the search starts for a replacement and the rumour machines go into gear with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino once again linked with Real. Albeit the Argentine signed a new five-year contract at Spurs just last week.
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri could also come into the frame, while Arsene Wenger wants to carry on in management after leaving Arsenal after 22 years in charge. Italian Maurizio Sarri, most recently of Napoli, is also available. As is former Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, As always the decision on who will next manage Real will be made by club president Florentino Perez.
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| Zidane with Florentino Perez on Thursday |
On Thursday Perez accompanied Zidane at the news conference and said he wanted to keep the France 1998 World Cup winner. "This was a totally unexpected decision. Zidane informed me of his choice yesterday," added Perez, "This is a sad day for me, for the players and for everyone involved with the club. He knows that I wanted to sign him more than anyone as a player, as well as a coach.
"I would love for him to be by my side forever."
The Zidane departure also comes after Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo revealed they were contemplating their futures at the club. The Wales forward Bale unhappy at being named as a substitute against Liverpool. Meanwhile Ronaldo said last weekend he will soon make an announcement about his future. But asked if his decision was anything to do with Ronaldo, Zidane said: "No."
OSMedia @optimum_sports
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