Sports Desk/SKB
The head coach of Spanish giant Real Madrid CF Zinadine Zidane has given his resignation. He announced his decision at the Valdebebas training ground on Thursday afternoon, insisting he and the club needed a change and admitting he was not convinced Real would continue winning if he remained in charge.
The club’s president, Florentino Pérez, described it as a ‘sad day’ and said the decision was “totally unexpected.” Zidane would not say exactly when he made the decision to depart.
The Frenchman leaves after guiding the men in white to three consecutive Champions League titles but what he said as he announced his departure will come as a surprise.
He said, “I have taken the decision not continue as coach of Real Madrid next year.” “I spoke to the president to explain what I thought. I think it is the moment, for me and for the squad. I know it is a bit of a strange moment but I think it is the right moment. This is a team that should keep on winning and it needs a change for that. After three years, it needs another discourse, another working methodology, and that’s why I took this decision,” he added.
Zidane considers the highlight of his time at the Santiago Bernabeu wasn’t his success in Europe, but instead the sole La Liga title he claimed.
He mentioned on social media that, despite winning three consecutive UCL titles, his best moment as Madrid coach was to win the La Liga title.
Interestingly Zidane also said his worst moment as Madrid boss was the Copa del Rey defeat at Leganes.
Zidane joined Real Madrid in January 2016 and leaves after winning one La Liga, three UCL, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and the Spanish Super Cup.
However, Madrid finished a massive 17 points behind Barcelona in this La Liga season (2017-18) and Zidane also said he felt, “It would have been difficult for me to win again next year.”
On the other hand Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo gave his regards toward his coach by posting a farewell message on twitter where he said, “I am just proud to have been your player. Mister, Thank you so much.”
Photo: AFP