The Frenchman has made the right call for himself but his departure has merely added to Florentino Perez's list of problems.
Zinedine Zidane has walked away from Real Madrid, for a second time.
The French coach’s exit isn’t the 'mic drop' it was back in 2018, when he strolled into the sunset after a remarkable run of three consecutive Champions League triumphs, but he leaves the club at the right moment from his own perspective.
Madrid might have preferred to keep him, although a season without any trophies meant it wasn’t a clear-cut call, but leaving has been on Zidane’s mind for quite a while.
Without explicitly saying it, Zidane has given that vibe in his media appearances for months. Indeed, it has been an open secret in the Spanish capital.
Aside from Karim Benzema’s red herring, where the French striker told L’Equipe he thought his compatriot would stay, most have expected Zidane to depart.
However, despite the feeling this was coming, Madrid are left in disarray. The club has numerous problems and having to appoint a new coach is another to add to the list.
Raul Gonzalez, in charge of Real Madrid’s B team, is an in-house option, while Antonio Conte is a top-level candidate after he parted ways with Inter this week. Massimiliano Allegri would have been the favourite but he has rejoined Juventus.
President Florentino Perez previously wanted Mauricio Pochettino, and there are reports he is considering leaving PSG, but for a return to Tottenham.
It won’t be an easy job replacing Zidane, not just for his achievements but also because of the club's situation, which is why he decided to go.
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