ANDREW EKEJIUBA
There is a feeling that a tired and annoyed Zinedine Zidane is ready to step down from his position at Real Madrid, despite his contract running until 2022.
The feeling inside the Madrid camp is that Zidane has grown tired of dealing with events outside of his control.
Ever since a coronavirus-impacted 2020-21 campaign got underway in September, Real have found themselves fighting fires on multiple fronts – from injuries to a hectic schedule and regular rounds of criticism aimed in the direction of those on and off the field.
Matters have now come to a head following a disappointing Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Chelsea, with Zidane’s mood continuing to sour.
He is also no longer able to call upon the full support of some of his big-name players, with the likes of Marcelo and Isco growing disillusioned with their respective roles on the fringes of the fold.
However, Zidane is now looking bored of the daily routine that he has had to follow for over 12 months.
He loves being at Valdebebas, conducting training sessions with a star-studded squad, but Covid-19 protocols have removed much of the fun factor associated with the post.
In the present, professional life in Madrid has become all about relentless rounds of testing – with Zidane now having to shower at home and carry out preparatory work away from his players.
Those in power at the Bernabeu are still hoping that Zidane can be convinced to see out the final 12 months of his deal.
Planning discussions have taken place, but the Frenchman has remained vague when quizzed on his future at pre-match press conferences.
Any decision he makes will be respected by the Blancos board, but it may be that marquee additions over the summer convince him to stay on – with Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe a top target that Zidane has been working on for some time.
Various options are already being mulled over in case Zidane does decide to head for the exits.
Club legend Raul, who has also been cutting his coaching teeth within the Castilla ranks, is an obvious option given his strong ties to the Liga giants.
Joachim Low, who will step down as Germany boss after this summer’s European Championship, is another contender, while ex-Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri remains without a club and is another to have registered on Florentino Perez’s radar in the past.
Zidane, though remains at the helm for now has much to ponder as the waiting game continues at Real Madrid.