When Zinedine Zidane returned to Real Madrid in March 2019, the club was in disarray. The once-dominant force in European football had suffered a humiliating exit from the Champions League at the hands of Ajax, and in La Liga, they were floundering amid a rebuilding phase. The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo had left a void in attack, and the team, devoid of a reliable goal-scorer, lacked the confidence and cohesion that had been the hallmark of their past successes. Some of the club’s marquee signings had failed to deliver, and the sense of crisis was palpable.
Zidane, the captain of the ship during its most glorious
years, returned to steady the course. In the two seasons that followed, he not
only resurrected the team’s fortunes but also imbued it with a renewed sense of
self-belief, resilience, and tactical innovation. His departure at the end of
the 2020-21 season marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that
transcends the titles he won and the trophies he lifted.
Real Madrid’s official statement upon Zidane’s departure
read, “It’s time to respect his decision and show him our thanks for his
professionalism, dedication, and passion over the years, which is what his figure
represents at Real Madrid.” Indeed, Zidane’s stature at the club is not merely
defined by his trophies, but by the enduring influence he has had both as a
player and as a coach. As the statement further noted, "Zidane is one of
Real Madrid's great icons and his legend goes further than what he's done as a
coach and player of this club."
The Rebirth of Real
Madrid: Zidane’s First Act
Zidane’s return to the helm came after he had already
achieved the pinnacle of European football, having led Real Madrid to three
consecutive Champions League titles. However, his second stint began amid a club in crisis. The first season was marked by immediate challenges,
but Zidane quickly restored order. By the end of the 2019-20 season, Real
Madrid had secured their first La Liga title since 2017, a remarkable
achievement in the post-Cristiano Ronaldo era.
The season had begun with Real Madrid trailing their
arch-rivals Barcelona for much of the campaign. Before the COVID-19 pandemic,
Zidane’s side had already dropped points in 11 matches, with eight draws and
three losses. Yet, when the league resumed after the break, Real Madrid found a
new resolve. While Barcelona faltered under the pressure, dropping points to
Celta Vigo, Sevilla, and Atletico Madrid, Zidane’s Real Madrid surged forward,
winning 10 consecutive matches to clinch the title dramatically.
Zidane’s words after winning the 34th La Liga title
reflected the emotional weight of the triumph: “The Champions League is the
Champions League, but La Liga makes me happier because La Liga is what it’s all
about. This is a tremendous feeling because what these players have done is
incredible. I am lost for words because I am too emotional.”
The 2020-21 Season: A
Season of Adversity and Tactical Mastery
The 2020-21 season presented Zidane with a different set of
challenges. Injuries ravaged the squad, and the COVID-19 pandemic continued to
affect the team’s rhythm and performance. Yet, despite these setbacks, Zidane’s
leadership remained unwavering. Real Madrid fought to the very end, with their
title hopes hanging by a thread until the final day of the season. A victory
over Villarreal was not enough, as Atletico Madrid’s triumph over Real
Valladolid sealed the La Liga title for their city rivals.
It was a season that ended without silverware, but Zidane’s
resilience in the face of adversity garnered widespread respect. With 62
injuries and a team plagued by the absence of key players, Zidane’s tactical
ingenuity was put to the test. The Frenchman’s ability to adapt his plans and
innovate with player positioning was crucial. He relied on the versatility of
players like Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, Fede Valverde, Nacho
Fernandez, and Eder Militao, each of whom grew in confidence and skill under
Zidane’s mentorship. His tactical flexibility, even in the most trying
circumstances, allowed these players to shine, nurturing their all-round
qualities and preparing them for future success.
Zidane’s Tactical
Philosophy: A Legacy of Innovation and Resilience
Zidane’s legacy is not solely defined by the trophies he
won but by his ability to instil a mentality of resilience and tactical
adaptability within the squad. His success rate—174 wins, 53 draws, and 36
losses in 263 matches—speaks volumes about his efficiency and ability to get
the best out of his players. His win percentage of 66% is the highest in Real
Madrid’s history, a testament to his tactical brilliance.
Zidane’s second spell at the helm saw him face a squad in
transition, but he never wavered in his belief in the team’s potential. He was
a master of man-management, understanding the psychological challenges that
players faced, especially in the post-Ronaldo era. Zidane’s faith in his squad,
even when results weren’t forthcoming, allowed Real Madrid to maintain their
fighting spirit, which became a hallmark of his tenure.
His tactical flexibility was also evident in his use of
players in unconventional roles. Fede Valverde’s transformation into a
makeshift right-back, for instance, highlighted Zidane’s ability to adapt to
the demands of the season. Similarly, the development of young players like
Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and Eder Militao showcased Zidane’s commitment
to nurturing talent and preparing the next generation of Real Madrid stars.
The Final Chapter:
Zidane’s Departure
Zidane’s decision to step down after a season without
silverware is a poignant moment in Real Madrid’s history. His departure marks
the end of an era defined by success, resilience, and tactical innovation.
While his tenure may not have ended with the trophies that many had hoped for,
Zidane leaves behind a squad that knows how to fight, adapt, and perform under
pressure.
Real Madrid’s squad, under Zidane’s guidance, has evolved
into a team that can weather any storm. Players who were once considered
liabilities have now become cornerstones of the team. Zidane’s ability to
extract the best from his players, even in the most challenging circumstances,
will be remembered as one of his greatest achievements.
As Real Madrid moves forward, they will undoubtedly look
back with gratitude at Zidane’s time in charge. His leadership, tactical
acumen, and unwavering belief in his players have left an indelible mark on the
club. Zidane’s legacy will endure, not just in the titles he won, but in the
fighting spirit and all-round qualities he instilled in the team.
For Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane will always be more than just a coach; he will be a symbol of resilience, innovation, and excellence. His legend, built on the foundations of leadership and tactical brilliance, will continue to resonate within the club for years to come.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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