A club of the stature of Real Madrid are expected to conquer every competition that they compete in. However, despite winning their 34th La Liga title last season, recent performances have put Head Coach Zinedine Zidane’s future into serious doubt.
According to Spanish publication AS, Zidane has been given the target he needs to hit to secure a future at Real Madrid past this season, and that is to win the 20/21 Champions League.
Los Blancos currently find themselves in third place in La Liga, behind arch-rivals Barcelona in second, and city rivals Atletico Madrid in first, ten points clear of both clubs with a game in hand that could see their lead stretch to 13 points.
Moreover, they have been knocked out of the Copa del Rey by Alcoyano, who won 2-1 after extra time and were also defeated in the Supercopa de Espana by eventual winners Athletic Bilbao.
The report by AS indicates that Zidane is losing his grip on the squad at the Spanish capital, and the recent results have not done the manager’s credibility any favours. They were recently defeated by Levante at home in La Liga, which only creates an even more pressurising situation for the team.
The absence of Fede Valverde from the starting lineup, the lacklustre offensive displays from the forwards, the increase in the frequency of defensive errors and the fact that Karim Benzema seems to be the only forward capable of producing goals has left the matters in serious doubt every time they go onto the field.
Madrid face Atalanta in the Round of 16 of the Champions League at the end of this month. Past glories count for nothing, and Zidane must find a way to play to his strengths, stay calm and lead the team to a 14th Champions League trophy to save his job.
