Zinedine Zidane announced his resignation as manager of Real Madrid, five days after winning his third consecutive Champions League title with the club.
The French manager shocked the football community when he left the Real Madrid job yesterday. Zidane called an impromptu press conference where he was accompanied by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. The manager announced his resignation, saying that it’s time for change. Zidane cited that he loves the club, but there needs to be a change.
However, Sky journalist Guillem Balague believes that Ronaldo and Bale’s post-match comments after the Champions League final might have played a role in influencing the decision.
“Cristiano Ronaldo, instead of celebrating with his team mates decided to talk about his future, and there were doubts about the future of Gareth Bale,” Balague told Sky.
Ronaldo told beIN after the final that he enjoyed playing at Real Madrid, but suggested that he might leave the club. Bale complained about the lack of playing time and insisted that he will have a meeting with his agent regarding his future, minutes after the full-time whistle.
“All in all, he felt that the distance between players and manager and the authority of the manager, had been hurt. That is why he had to leave,” said Zidane.
Balague further added that Zidane felt the need to speak to Sergio Ramos regarding his decision. “It has caught everyone by surprise. Zidane told the president yesterday and told the players in a message today. He has spoken to Sergio Ramos, and intends to talk to the other captains in the next few hours. He felt he had to speak to one of the other leaders.”
Balague believes that Zidane had sensed that players need a new manager at helm, and the comments from his two star players hint that players don’t want to talk to him. “Situations like Ronaldo and Bale, these players have been complaining. Zidane probably feels that if the players do not want to talk to me, they are not listening to me. I am not the one to take all that on board and change the dynamics. He feels it is up to someone else to come in and deal with it.”
Also read: Who can replace Zidane at Real Madrid?
Pochettino is leading the race to replace Zidane at Real Madrid. However, Arsene Wenger’s name has also emerged. Florentino Perez tried to sign the manager in the past, and Wenger is currently out of job, having resigned as Arsenal’s manager this season.
