Madrid: French football legend Zinedine Zidane, current coach of Real Madrid’s reserve team, has become the centre of attention in Spain amid rumour that he may succeed Rafael Benitez as coach of the first team, if the latter fails to lead the team back onto the right track.
Zidane is now focused on the upcoming match against Talavera de la Reina in Segunda Division B next Saturday. But at the same time he does not rule out a surprising elevation to the first team when they face Rayo Vallecano in La Liga’s 16th round next Sunday, which might speed up the process of Benitez’s departure, which will provide the Frenchman with the opportunity he has always longed for, reports Efe.
The former Real Madrid star is respected by all members of the capital side, including club president Florentino Perez, as well as the trust of the management, which contracted him at the peak of his career, and provided him with the chance to coach the Castilla.
This opportunity in particular prevented Zidane from coaching in France, despite the offers he received following his retirement.
Although Zidane failed to promote Castilla to the Segunda Division, no one spoke of his departure.
Zidane has furthered his coaching experience after spending the last two seasons as assistant coach to the club’s former Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Frenchman, usually reserved, which he must overcome in the future, is focused on leading Real Madrid Castilla to promotion in the Segunda Division again.
Following his failed attempt last season, Zidane seems to have found the right way this season, after his squad was successful in climbing to second position in its group with 35 points, and only three points behind leader Barakaldo after 17 weeks into the competition.
Those with close connections to the 1998 World Cup winner told EFE that he wants to lead the first team starting from next season and not as an interim manager during the current one, if Benitez is fired.
If Zidane’s request is rejected by the management, he has no other option but to accept the opportunity he has always dreamed of since he started coaching.
Despite being at the very beginning of his managerial career, Zidane is very popular among all players of the first team, while he is well aware of every single detail in the locker room following his involvement with Ancelotti.
Zidane’s future role with Real Madrid is inevitable, especially as he has the acceptance and respect of everyone.
IANS