The 4th of January of 2016 Florentino Pérez axed Rafa Benítez and Zinedine Zidane was announced as the new Real Madrid coach. The history of the club changed that very same day because the French manager was able to change the tendency of a depress group into a winning one.
In 53 games played, Los Blancos lost only two, against Atlético Madrid in La Liga and Wolfsburg in the first leg of the Champions League quarter finals. These numbers meant three titles -Champions League, European Supercup and FIFA Clubs World Cup- and good feelings for the upcoming year.
The players looked depressed when Zinedine Zidane took over. This changed immediately with the French coach and could be seen very soon, in the first game against Deportivo La Coruña. The team struggled at the beginning but Real Madrid were able to fight La Liga until the last game, although Barcelona finally won the title.
This fighting spirit is the soul of the new Real Madrid. The team fights until the end. They were able to win the Champions League final in the penalty shoot out, the European Supercup in the extra time with a goal in the injury time from Sergio Ramos and the FIFA Club World Cup in the extra time as well. Besides, Sergio Ramos scored both important goals in La Liga against Barcelona and Deportivo to secure a six points cushion -now it’s 3 because Real Madrid missed one game- with the second team.
Perhaps, Zinedine Zidane’s best skill is the management of the squad. With so many important players in the dressing room, the French coach is able to manage the egos and all the players are involved in the team. He has been giving opportunities to all the players and they are all taking their opportunities whenever they can play. In this way, this good squad has been transformed in a great team.
Now, Zidane has to stay focus and keep going with his work to secure more success in the upcoming year. The starting position is perfect: top of the table in La Liga with 6 points clear from Barcelona -if Los Blancos beat Valencia- and in the Last 16 Round of Champions League and Copa del Rey.
