Zidane Steps Down For Second Time From Real Madrid

Real Madrid head coach, Zinedine Zidane is stepping down for the second time at the end of a trophy-less season.

The 2020/21 season saw Real with its least successful season since 2009-10 including being beaten by Atletico Madrid to the Liga title, being knocked out of the Champions League by eventual winners Chelsea and exiting the Kings Cup after losing to third-division club Alcoyano in the group stage.

The club statement said: ”  (Zidane) decided to bring an end to his current spell,” and that “we must now respect his decision and express our gratitude for his professionalism, dedication and passion over the years and what he means to Real Madrid.”

The statement went on to describe Zidane as “one of Real Madrid’s great icons and his legacy extends beyond what he has achieved as a coach and player at our club.”

Zidane left the club for the first time after leading Real to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018.

The Frenchman has won on a total of nine trophies including the three Champion Leagues, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, one Spanish league and one Spanish Super Cup in his tally of 263 matches, including 174 victories, 53 draws and 36 loses.

He had originally resigned soon after leading the team to its third straight Champions League title, saying it was time for a change and that he didn’t see it clearly that the club would keep winning with him in charge.

However Zidane’s took charge again less than a year later and rescued the team from a catastrophic start that saw Real lose to arch- rival Barcelona and knocked out of the Champions League by Dutch team Ajax in the early stages of the competion.

It is unclear if Real Madrid have a replacement for him.