After the real misfortune against Donetsk: Zidane’s successors are ready

Historical embarrassment threatens real: Zidane’s possible successors are ready

The crisis can no longer be discussed on the road: after the 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, Real Madrid could miss the round of 16 for the first time in their 25th participation in the Champions League. For coach Zinédine Zidane it is now: win or fly!

Real Madrid had actually traveled to Ukraine to rehabilitate themselves against Shakhtar Donetsk for a 2-3 home defeat at the start of the Champions League group stage. But what should have been a repair ended with the next embarrassment. “Royal” lost 0: 2 to Shakhtar Donetsk, who had previously been faced in two games by Borussia Mönchengladbach with an aggregate score of 0:10.

Without defense chief Sergio Ramos, Zinédine Zidane’s side were extremely vulnerable in defense: the “White Ballet” have already conceded nine goals in five top-tier games, more than ever in a group stage. But there wasn’t much to do either: world footballer Luka Modric, super talented Martin Ödegaard and striker Karim Benzema completely disappointed, Ronaldo’s designated successor Eden Hazard got injured again.

For Real, the 2-0 defeat to Ukraine after three winless games in the league was already the fifth defeat in the 15th game of the season – now the Madrid side are in danger of failing for the first time in the club’s 25th Champions League participation Stage a rounds. While the Spanish champions can still qualify for the knockout stage on their own with a win against Gladbach, it is far from natural in this condition.

Coach Zinédine Zidane is already very counted. According to the Spanish newspaper “El Mundo”, an internal crisis meeting will discuss the future of the successful former coach. If Real don’t win against Sevilla and Gladbach, Zidane risks being sent off. However, President Florentino Perez has already spoken out in favor of the dismissal of the 48-year-old Frenchman. The “Marca” also writes that trust in Zidane is no longer what it once was.

Zidane will not voluntarily throw in the towel: “I will not resign, not at all. We will continue, “he told the press conference after the defeat in Ukraine.” We have to overcome this situation, because it is above all a series of bad luck. “With hard work, Zidane wants to return to success:” It is true that our results are not good . But we will continue to believe in what we do “.

Pocchetino and Raúl in conversation

Madrid reacted to a 2-3 first leg defeat to Donetsk three days later with a 3-1 win at Clásico against Barcelona, ​​but now the pressure is much higher. Zidane’s potential successors have already been openly traded. The currently unemployed Argentine Mauricio Pochettino is very popular. “I am ready to start over and get back into the game,” the latest Tottenham manager said on Sky.

Club legend Raúl is also seen as a promising candidate. The 43-year-old led Real’s second team for two years and would be the model for Zidane, who was also a junior coach before leading Los Blancos to two Spanish league titles and three Champions League victories.

In Madrid’s original bosses plan, Raúl wasn’t supposed to take on the first team for two or three years. Most importantly, you don’t want to hand him the place in such a difficult situation, which is why Pochettino is seen as a favorite for the job.

But Zinédine Zidane has not yet been released. He has two games to get his head out of the loop. Even for the French, accustomed to success, now is: winning or flying.