Why Did Zidane Resign From Madrid?

By Michael Ferguson

On May 31, 2018, Zinedine Zidane announced his resignation as the head coach of Real Madrid. This news came as a shock to the football world, particularly to Madrid fans who had been enjoying a successful spell under his management.

Speculations were rife about the reason behind his sudden departure. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why Zidane resigned from Madrid.

The Backstory

Zidane’s decision to leave Real Madrid was not entirely unexpected. He had led Los Blancos to three consecutive Champions League titles in his two-and-a-half-year tenure as head coach, which is no mean feat. However, the team had struggled domestically during the 2017-18 season and finished third in La Liga – 17 points behind champions Barcelona.

Reasons Behind The Resignation

There are various reasons speculated for Zidane’s resignation:

1. Personal Reasons

Zidane cited personal reasons for leaving Real Madrid. He stated that he felt it was time for a change and that he wanted to take some time off from football management to spend more time with his family.

2. Differences With Club President

Rumours were rife that Zidane did not see eye-to-eye with club president Florentino Perez on various issues like transfers and player contracts. It is speculated that Perez wanted more control over team matters and was not happy with some of Zidane’s decisions.

3. The Departure of Cristiano Ronaldo

The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus in the summer of 2018 may have played a significant role in Zidane’s decision to resign from Real Madrid. Ronaldo had been an integral part of the team and had contributed significantly to their success under Zidane’s management.

Impact of Zidane’s Resignation

Zinedine Zidane’s resignation came as a huge blow to Real Madrid, and fans were left wondering how the team would fare in his absence. It was a significant loss for the club, considering Zidane had won nine trophies in his time as head coach.

1. New Manager

After Zidane’s resignation, Real Madrid appointed Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach. However, things didn’t pan out well for Lopetegui, and he was sacked just four months into the job. Poor Performance

Real Madrid failed to perform well in the 2018-19 season and finished third in La Liga – 19 points behind Barcelona. They were also knocked out of the Champions League in the round of 16 by Ajax. Zidane Returns

In March 2019, Zinedine Zidane made a surprise return to Real Madrid as head coach. This news was received with enthusiasm by fans and players alike, who hoped that he could turn things around for the team.

The Bottom Line

Zinedine Zidane’s resignation from Real Madrid was unexpected but not entirely surprising given some of the rumours surrounding his relationship with club president Florentino Perez. Despite his departure, his legacy at Real Madrid remains intact. As a player and coach, he has left an indelible mark on one of Europe’s most successful football clubs.