Zinedine Zidane: under the microscope
By: Enzo Karema
In an attempt to get Real Madrid level on points with table-toppers Atlético de Madrid, Zinedine Zidane has perhaps stained his image to an unbelievable extent, making those that once stood by him doubt whether they still should and doing little to prevent the belief that the rest of the lot was never wrong. Be it for his decisions, decision-making, predictable strategies or apparent inability to exploit young talent, he’s received a great deal of criticism, despite turning around his side’s fortunes not so long ago when it looked set to underperform. It’s not been the purest of weeks for the Frenchman.
Nonetheless, there’s been little said regarding the board of directors’ potential intention to sack him. To some, his dismissal would be best for Real Madrid’s future, but as it seems, that’s not something they reckon. In all honesty, it’s hard to determine whether they are right or not putting the facts into consideration, but we can assume they have gone with the safe option and chosen to hold on to him. You don’t want to part ways with a manager in mid-season, a critical period, in particular one with a record similar to his.
That said, you ask yourself whether his probable successors would make that big of a difference, or even have an adequate amount of time to implement their ideas. Thus, he can consider himself fortunate, but must not take that for granted: should he keep doing what has brought him to the point where people doubt he’s the right man for the job in the next 1 to 2 matchdays, regardless of all the cons this may have to it, the board will mercilessly act.
Zidane can doubtlessly get himself out of all trouble with little to no complications, however, the problem is he has not shown the bravery to. Even when it has looked as if the solutions to his queries are right before his eyes, he has been unable to take the important step, which has affected the team. Then, it has seemed like he has an immoderate amount of respect for the veterans to bench them, which has halted the development of a couple of the players looked upon as the stars of tomorrow.
The football we’ve played, more foreseeable than ever, has left a lot to desire as well. To my mind, only the courage to be defiant of his own beliefs will result in him earning his honourable status back. It’s evidently no longer a matter of making discoveries or finding answers, but placing trust in them.
We can only be hopeful he sees the light, rather than be viciously disrespectful towards him. Zidane has done too much for this club, which sadly few are willing to acknowledge. The fact that we were able to win the Champions League in 3 successive seasons shouldn’t be used to back the argument of why he should stay, but at least be looked at as something that proves why he deserves backing, particularly in the difficult period he’s currently in.
