To question Zinedine Zidane’s impressive work in the most successful five years in Real Madrid’s history since the 1950s is astonishing.
Season of 60 injuries
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. I know that Real Madrid never questioned his continuity, but Zidane understood that it was impossible to be calm enough to face a summer full of uncertainties with friendly fire that questioned his presence on the bench from minute one. It happened from Matchday 1 in the Champions League, with the nostalgia of Mourinho and those who were in favour of the demolition who showed their cards after the first defeat. The dark side of strength. 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 moment for Militao and Odri
Special mention for Eder Militao and Alvaro Odriozola, who have earned the right to stay after the author of this column wrongly questioned them. They deserve the applause and recognition of Real Madrid supporters. They have not given up and have fought to the end. The bad news comes for Sergio Ramos and Lucas Vazquez, whose uncertainty is accentuated by the orphanhood that Zidane’s departure leaves them with. A departure that only Florentino Perez can rebuild, but he’ll need his builder’s helmet. It will be the most difficult task yet. An exciting bench, a Galactico signing and overcoming the threatening chipping away of a European Super League that never was. A triple somersault.