Now it is official: Zidane and Real Madrid have parted their ways on mutual consent to leave the place for a new era to begin. It has been a difficult decision that took a lot of time for both sides but that is the final decision and now Real Madrid will have to find a new manager. It was Real Madrid which made the official statement in their official site as follows:
Real Madrid C. F. announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to bring an end to his current spell as head coach of our club. We must now respect his decision and express our gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid. Zidane is one of Real Madrid’s great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club. He is aware that he has a place in the hearts of the Real Madrid fans and that he will always have a home at Real Madrid.
This season, the Real was second in La Liga, two points behind champions and city rivals Altetico Madrid. In the Champions League, Zidane and his side were knocked out by Chelsea in the semi-finals after they already had been eliminated of the Spanish Cup by third division side Alcoyano in the third round. In his first spell at the club from January 2016 to May 2018, Zidane secured three consecutive Champions League titles and won the Spanish league once. His second term was not as successful as the first for many reasons that most of the time were not dependant on his work, but after his return in March 2019, he led Madrid to La Liga title in 2020. Also 2020-21 can be considered a very good year despite failing to bring home any trophies. It was a very difficult year filled with absences and often there was no room for Zidane’s plans to take life... In the season of sixty injuries, the tactician was just one goal away from winning LaLiga Santander and five minutes away from another goal to play in Saturday's Champions League final. With such credentials, you wouldn't question a coach anywhere in the world.
Zidane was appointed Real manager on January 4, 2016, and left the club on May 31, 2018. In the first spell, the Frenchman managed 149 games (W105 D28 L16) and had a win percentage of 70.47%. Zidane took charge once again on March 11, 2019. In the second spell. he has so far managed 114 games (W69 D25 L20) at 60.53%.
The former Juventus and Real Madrid player has proved his mettle as a manager. After winning the league title in 2016-17, he helped Los Blancos win La Liga 2019-20. He won the Spanish Super Cup on two occasions (2017, 2019-20). Notably, Zidane helped Real win three successive Champions League honors. He has also won two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.
As per Opta, Zidane holds the record of most undefeated matches with Real Madrid in all competitions (40). He also ended the 2020-21 season with 18 games unbeaten in La Liga. This is the longest undefeated streak by any team in La Liga 2020-21. This is Real's best such run without a defeat in La Liga since March 2014 under Carlo Ancelotti (W15, D3).
During his two spells as Real boss, Zidane won IFFHS World's Best Club Coach in 2017 and 2018 respectively. He also won the Best FIFA Football Coach award in 2018. Zidane is the only manager in Real Madrid history to win five trophies in a calendar year. He is the only manager in Real Madrid history to win four trophies in one season.
Zidane is not leaving a building in ruins. He has prolonged the retirement of Luka Modric or Toni Kroos, who have played at a high level. He has matured Thibaut Courtois and Casemiro. He leaves Karim Benzema in his peak and has brought through the likes of Antonio Blanco, Victor Chust, Sergio Arribas, Marvin Park and Miguel Gutierrez. Special mention for Eder Militao and Alvaro Odriozola, who have improved themselves (especially Militao) and have earned the right to stay after being constantly criticized for underperforming. They deserve the applause and recognition of Real Madrid supporters. They have not given up and have fought to the end.
All of the players wished him the best in their social media accounts. Here are some of the warm messages addressed to the French coach:
Sergio Ramos has bid farewell to Zinedine Zidane after it was announced that the Frenchman was leaving Real Madrid. bThe defender has been Zidane's captain throughout his two spells in charge of Los Blancos, during which he has lifted 11 trophies. "ZZ, the one and only," Ramos wrote on social media. "I wish you all the best. You deserve it, you've earnt it. Enjoy life and your family. All the best, boss. Merci, Zidane".
Thibaut Courtois also penned a message for Zidane. "It has been an honour to have a legend like you as a coach," Courtois wrote on Instagram. "Thank you for what you have taught me, for the trust you have always had in me and for what we have won together, Zidane. I hope we meet again. I wish you all the best!"
Dani Carvajal was another Real Madrid player that wrote a message for the departing coach. "Coach, I only have words of thanks for the time I have had you as my coach," Carvajal penned on social media. Thank you very much for your commitment, dedication and for making me a better player every day. Thanks to all the staff who have been by our side all these years, I wish you all the best. I'm sure we will meet again in the future".
Karim Benzema wrote on his Instagram profile: “Thank you Frérot (brother) for everything you have given me both collectively and personally... I am proud and honored to have been able to move forward and grow with the man that you are. See you...” ❤
Lucas Vasquez, one of Zidane’s most trusted men, wrote: “Thank you Mister, what an honor to be at your service all this time. Thank you for the trust you have always shown in me, in the team, for all that I have learned and for all that we have achieved together. Hopefully we meet again! I wish you the best, enjoy”. THE BEST
Midfield trio: Luka Modric on Instagram: “Mister, It’s been a great honor playing for you and winning alongside you. You are top. Best of luck!” ❤ Casemiro’s salutation: “Thanks for everything, mister. I owe him a large part of what I am. Eternal admiration”. Toni Kroos: “It has been a pleasure. Thanks Zizou!”
One of the most emotional farewells came from Raphael Varane. "Since I arrived at Real Madrid 10 years ago, you have been more than a coach; you have been a mentor. You helped me develop as a player and as a man. You have been able to take this golden generation to the top with class (and several times!). I can't thank you enough for all the advice you've given me, both on and off the pitch. Thanks again, boss! Good luck and see you soon, I hope!"
A real genius: Zinedine Zidane marked an era in world football with his elegance and technical skills. Blessed with natural talent for this sport, the French midfielder won everything that could possibly be won, both with his clubs as well as with the French national team. A magical player who elected to close out his historic sporting career at Real Madrid, together, conquering the 2002 Champions League title. Not too long after closing his playing career he marked another era in world football with his coaching skills and his ability to manage top class players in a top class team, a duty that requires an extremely strong mind besides the great knowledge about football! Managing a club like Real Madrid with this kind of efficiency is something that only top level managers can achieve.
Madridistas all over the world salute a legend of the club and wish him the best for the future. Zidane will forever be in Madrid’s “Hall of Fame”! Thank you for everything boss!
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