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.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid the most likely destination for Kylian Mbappe with Liverpool not pushing for transfer
Journalist Florian Plettenberg has affirmed that despite Liverpool’s continued interest, Real Madrid remain the most realistic destination for Kylian Mbappe either for next year or the year after that.
As far as PSG are concerned, the Ligue 1 champions are totally relaxed over the drama as they are now financially secure for his possible departure. Nonetheless, Liverpool are not at all pushing for the player which leaves Real Madrid as the only team as suitors.
Mbappe has declined an extension offer from PSG, as his current deal is set to expire in 2024 and the 24-year-old forward seems poised to determine his future destination sooner rather than later.
As for Real Madrid, while they have denied holding any talks with the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner, the interest in him has always been there as he remains one of the club’s main targets for 2024.
One last attempt for Mbappe?
Real Madrid have been chasing Mbappe since 2021 and while there have been instances when he almost joined, the move has always failed to materialise for some reason.
Last year, he ended up signing a new contract and this year, as he looked certain to leave PSG, a sudden change of heart saw him stay put. Now, there are going to be some repercussions of his continued ignorance.
These repercussions Mbappe will experience if rejects Madrid once again as it is said that the team from the Spanish capital is fed up with playing this game and if the move fails next summer, the door for Mbappe will be closed forever.
On the contrary, Plettenberg reports that it is not a matter of if for Mbappe, but a matter of when.
So even if they somehow miss out on his acquisition this summer, they will be able to sign him in 2025 as they are currently the only team running for his signature.
