Real Madrid finds itself in a precarious situation following a crushing defeat in the Super Cup, where they were outplayed by Barcelona, who staged an impressive comeback from two goals down to secure a victory. This defeat not only highlighted the shortcomings of Real Madrid's coach, Carlo Ancelotti, but also subjected his coaching abilities to unprecedented scrutiny.
The fallout from this loss extended beyond the pitch, with issues such as dressing room discord, tactical rigidity, and mounting pressure from the management leading to the resignation of the decorated coach.
As the world speculated on the future of the "Galactic Battleship," a familiar name emerged as a potential savior – Zinedine Zidane's return was seen as the only viable solution to break the deadlock. However, the question remained: could simply changing the coach be enough to extricate Real Madrid from its current predicament?
Zidane's significance to Real Madrid fans cannot be overstated. His iconic No. 14 jersey and the spectacular goal he scored in the 2002 Champions League final are etched in the memories of fans. As a coach, he led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles from 2016 to 2018, solidifying the club's reputation as the "King of Europe." His directness, decisiveness, and strong control over the dressing room earned him widespread admiration. Even amidst tactical controversies, Zidane consistently demonstrated an ability to turn the tide in critical moments.
The term "stabilizing force" aptly describes Zidane, as he provided Real Madrid with emotional stability and a consistent match rhythm. It is no surprise that after Ancelotti's departure, Zidane's name was strongly recommended. His previous successes proved that he was more than a fleeting phenomenon; he was a coach deserving of Real Madrid's name.
Before Zidane's return, Real Madrid was already mired in difficulties, with the primary source of pressure not being the global media's criticism, but rather the rapid resurgence of their arch-rival, Barcelona. Under new coach Xavi, Barcelona has undergone a remarkable transformation, with a stunning comeback victory in the Super Cup serving as a statement of their resurgence. Their youthful strategy, featuring a lineup of 90s and even 00s-born players, has maintained both combativeness and endurance, while Real Madrid's veterans like Benzema and Modric are showing signs of age, creating vulnerabilities for the team.
Xavi's coaching style has given Barcelona a fresh look, with flexibility, running ability, and quick attacks aligning with the trends of modern football. Barcelona's revitalization has been clear for all to see, while Real Madrid's aging issues have become increasingly apparent, posing a significant challenge.
In this tense situation, Zidane's return is not only a beacon of hope for rekindling the team's fighting spirit but also an urgent measure taken by the management to "save themselves."
It is not just Real Madrid that has been eyeing Zidane; several European giants, including Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, have been quietly considering him. Both teams have had contact with Zidane, with PSG's management even offering a high salary package to entice him to take charge. However, Zidane ultimately declined, citing the lack of complete control as the reason.
These circumstances make Zidane's third return to Real Madrid all the more remarkable and valuable. The reasons for his choice are simple – not only does he have a deep affection for the team, but he also enjoys an established positive interaction with the club's management.
Despite previous strategic challenges during his first two stints, Zidane has never been officially discredited, fostering a level of trust that may not be present at other clubs.
Zidane's third tenure at Real Madrid will not be an easy journey. He faces a team at a bottleneck, requiring comprehensive rebuilding in terms of tactics, personnel, and confidence. The management has pledged full support for this transformation. Rumors suggest that Zidane has targeted players like Borussia Dortmund's Bellingham and Manchester City's Cancelo to bolster the team's strength quickly.
On the other hand, underperforming players such as Hazard and Carvajal might be phased out to create opportunities for younger talents.
A crucial question is how to unlock the potential of existing young players like Vinicius and Rodrygo. Will Zidane be the right person to guide them? Based on his past record, the answer seems likely. However, it cannot be overlooked that Real Madrid currently faces many issues that cannot be resolved solely by Zidane.
Changing coaches is not a panacea. Zidane's arrival can undoubtedly infuse the team with a new spirit and stabilize the dressing room.
However, what Real Madrid truly needs is a systematic upgrade: from tactical concepts to player development, from collective brainstorming within the management to the sustainability of financial investments. It is no wonder that some fans say, "Zidane is just there to provide support; the ship must be able to weather the storm on its own."
If Real Madrid's future is likened to a ship about to set sail, then Zidane is undoubtedly the one to chart its course. Whether he will lead the "Galactic Battleship" to new heights as he did in his previous tenures remains to be seen.
No one knows the answer, but one thing is certain: Zidane is destined to be the central figure in this desperate counterattack.