Real Madrid and Barcelona are two of the most successful football clubs in the world. Their rivalry is arguably the biggest in football and has produced some of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.
Zinedine Zidane is a name that is synonymous with Real Madrid, having played for and coached the club to great success. However, when it comes to matches against their arch-rivals Barcelona, Zidane’s record as a coach has been under scrutiny.
Background
Zinedine Zidane took over as Real Madrid’s head coach in January 2016, replacing Rafael Benitez. He inherited a team that was struggling and had fallen behind Barcelona in La Liga.
However, he quickly turned things around, leading Real Madrid to their 11th Champions League title later that year. Since then, he has won three consecutive Champions League titles and two La Liga titles.
Zidane’s Record Against Barcelona
Despite his success at Real Madrid, Zidane’s record against Barcelona has been questioned by some fans and critics. In his first El Clasico as head coach, Real Madrid beat Barcelona 2-1 at Camp Nou. However, since then he has struggled to get the better of his arch-rivals.
In total, Zidane has faced Barcelona 14 times as a coach, winning just three matches while losing six and drawing five. While this record may not be impressive on paper, it is worth noting that many of these matches were closely contested affairs with little to separate the two sides.
The Importance of El Clasico
El Clasico is more than just a football match; it is a cultural phenomenon that transcends sport. The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona is deeply rooted in the history and politics of Spain, making it one of the most intense rivalries in the world. As such, winning an El Clasico match is not only a matter of pride but can also have significant implications for the rest of the season.
Zidane’s Approach to El Clasico
One of the criticisms leveled at Zidane is that he has been too cautious in his approach to El Clasico matches. Rather than taking the game to Barcelona, he has often opted for a more defensive strategy, relying on counter-attacks to score goals.
While this approach has been successful at times, it has also led to criticism from some fans who feel that Real Madrid should be more aggressive in their approach to their biggest rivals. However, it is worth noting that Zidane’s tactics have often been dictated by the players he has available to him and the situation in which the match is being played.
The Future
Zinedine Zidane stepped down as Real Madrid coach at the end of the 2017-18 season but returned to the club in March 2019. Since then, he has overseen a period of transition at Real Madrid, with many key players leaving and new signings coming in.
While Zidane’s record against Barcelona may not be perfect, his overall success as a coach cannot be denied. Real Madrid fans will hope that he can continue to lead the club to success both domestically and in Europe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zinedine Zidane’s record against Barcelona may not be as impressive as his overall record as a coach. However, it is important to remember that El Clasico matches are some of the most fiercely contested matches in world football. While winning these matches is important, it is not the be-all and end-all of a successful season.
Ultimately, Zidane’s success as a coach should be judged on his overall record and the trophies that he has won. With Real Madrid currently in transition, it will be interesting to see how he approaches future El Clasico matches and whether he can lead the club to more success in the coming seasons.