Zinedine Zidane will make his debut as the new Real Madrid manager on Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna at an enthused Santiago Bernabeu. The Frenchman needs to earn a victory in his first game to convince those who have criticised his appointment.
A new era starts for Los Blancos after Rafa Benitez dismissal, and the main goal for Zidane will be to display a more offensive style than his predecessor.
Yet, the Los Merengues legend is not expected to make important changes in the starting line-up. He has already confirmed he will display Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo in the forward line. James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are expected to remain the starting midfielders.
Thus, the only variation could be the return of Daniel Carvajal, who is completely recovered from his injury. The Spaniard is expected to replace Danilo at right-back. Marcelo will feature at left-back.
Another doubt for Zizou is whether to line up Raphael Varane or Pepe alongside Sergio Ramos. He is a big admirer of both defenders and it is not clear which one he will pick.
The Frenchman will miss suspended Mateo Kovacic. In his first squad list, he has also left Denis Cheryshev, Nacho Fernandez and Alvaro Arbeloa out.
Deportivo will not be an easy rival to beat. The Galicians are having a brilliant season, and they have recently upset Barcelona at the Camp Nou with a 2-2 draw. Their manager, former Los Blancos player Victor Sanchez, has all his men available expect goalkeeper Fabricio and midfielder Celso Borges.
Possible line-ups:
Real Madrid: Navas; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; James Rodriguez, Modric, Kroos; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo.
Deportivo La Coruna: Lux; Laure, Arribas, Sidnei, Fernando Navarro; Juanfran, Mosquera, Bergantinos, Fajr; Perez, Luis Alberto.
A victory would give us great confidence to face this new era. Good luck!
Comment:wishing him (Zidane) all the best
Comment:good luck