Real Madrid News
Zinedine Zidane open to a third stint as Real Madrid manager – report
Zinedine Zidane’s legacy at Real Madrid as both a player and a manager can never be erased from the history books. The French mastermind is one of the club’s most successful managers in recent history, but his departure in 2021 made many believe that it was the end of his association with the club.
According to reports from The Athletic, a source close to the French manager has confirmed that he does not rule out returning to Real Madrid as manager. In fact, a third stint at Santiago Bernabeu is the option that appeals to him the most alongside the opportunities at Juventus and Marseille.
As ridiculous as it sounds, Zidane’s appointment may not be a bad idea for Los Blancos. The former player has a proven and decorated track record at Real Madrid, one that very few others can boast of.
Interestingly, his entire managerial career has been with Los Blancos. He began as an assistant manager in 2013-14 before taking over charge at the Castilla for two seasons.
In 2016, he was given the responsibility of managing the first team and even won the UEFA Champions League in his two seasons at the club.
He left the Merengues in after Real Madrid’s win over Liverpool in the UCL final, stating a ‘need for change’ as the reason.
The hiatus did not last long, however, as Real Madrid soon went into a spell of poor results. Zidane thus returned and sparked off a special comeback at the club between 2019 and 2021.
At the moment, the men in white are doing well under Carlo Ancelotti and won both the UCL and La Liga last season. There is no calling for a change of management, but there have been rumours of the Italian being targeted to manage the Brazilian national team.
Even if Ancelotti does not leave this summer, his contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer of 2024. And should there be a vacancy, Zidane could certainly be an option to take over.
Although Antonio Rudiger has had success since joining Real Madrid last summer, the club are in need of more depth and players that can form the backbone of the defensive unit in the years to come.
As part of their plans, Real Madrid are prioritising a move for Josko Gvardiol in the coming summer, reports 90 Min.
The outlet suggests Gvardiol will be one of the most wanted prospects in the market, with both Real Madrid and Manchester City eyeing a move for the Croatian international come the end of the season.
Formerly of Dinamo Zagreb, Gvardiol has enjoyed immense success since his move to the Bundesliga in 2021. He has impressed onlookers with his skill, organisation and discipline, which, coupled with his versatility, make him an appealing target for any European giant.
Gvardiol was also one of the top performers at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, helping Croatia finish third in the competition. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Real Madrid among the clubs who have been keeping an eye on the defender for a while now.
However, signing Gvardiol will be a tricky task for Los Blancos. The player still has a long-term contract at Leipzig and could cost up to €85 million, as reported by 90 Min. Not to mention, the competition from Man City could be significant.
Real Madrid have no shortage of alternatives, though, with the club notably closely monitoring Portuguese defensive whizkid Antonio Silva, among others. So it will be interesting to see how the Spanish giants approach the market in this coming summer.
