It’s no kept secret that star names at some of Europe’s biggest clubs can influence the sacking of a manager, as was the case for Chelsea and Andre-Villas Boas, and Cristiano Ronaldo and Rafael Benitez.
Thus news that the Portuguese superstar has publicly handed current manager Zinedine Zidane his support will boost the French legend’s hopes of remaining on as Los Blancos boss, with the three-time Ballon d’Or winner admitted that he’d love to see Zizou continue to lead the club.
As revealed by UEFA’s official media (as per Marca), the 31-year-old confessed to reporters that he’d like nothing more than to see the World Cup winner continue at the helm of Santiago Bernabeu, saying:
“I think we're more appreciated under Zidane, we feel his warmth, and I would like him to stay with Real Madrid.”
“We're still going through a transitional period, but it's working out faster than we had imagined. I admired Zidane as a player and now also as a manager, because of the way he is and the way he coaches."
Zidane took over the 10-time Champions League winners as head manager after the sacking of Rafa back in January, and has lifted the club from the shambolic beginning to this season that led to Benitez’s departure.
Nonetheless, at one point of Zidane’s reign, rumors claimed that Florentino Perez could replace the retired Bleues legend once the current season ends despite impressing in his first season in charge.
Ronaldo reportedly had a rocky relationship with former boss Rafael Benitez, one of many factors that led to his sacking. As a result, the former Man United winger’s vote of approval could do wonders for Zidane. However, Perez showed last year that he can still go against the players’ wishes and fire a manger when he axed popular coach Carlo Ancelotti.
One factor that could determine Zidane’s future – as well as any other tacticians that have managed Les Merengues – is his ability to deliver silverware this campaign. In La Liga, Real Madrid trail leaders Barca by a single point, but appear unlikely to prize the league from the Blaugrana given that only two games remain and that Luis Suarez is in the form of his life.
However, it is in Europe where the Madrid giants’ biggest shot at a trophy this season lies. Cristiano and Co. will host Man City on Wednesday in the 2nd leg of their semi-final clash, with the first game ending 0-0, as the club’s number 7 attacker appears ready to return from injury.
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