Zinedine Zidane has known nothing but success in the UEFA Champions League since he was appointed as Real Madrid's boss in January, 2016. He's led Los Blancos to three striaght UCL finals, and with the title at stake, some believe that Zidane may be thinking about ending his stint with Los Blancos on a high note.
When the 2017-18 season seemed to be headed to end in catastrophe for Los Blancos, some media outlets questioned Zidane's leadership skills and future. Despite having two years left in his deal, Spanish media pressured to have him removed, but everything changed once they eliminated PSG. Now, Zidane holds all the cards, and some think he's saving his best trick for the final act, and that move would be none other than leaving Real Madrid.
Here are three reasons why Zinedine Zidane could bid farewell to the team if he ends up winning a third UEFA Champions League in a row.
1. Zidane would re-write Real Madrid's UCL record books
Yes, he's already won two in a row, but no manager has led Los Blancos to three straight titles. Back when the tournament began, two managers led Los Blancos to two UCL/European Cup titles in a row: José Villalonga and Luis Carniglia. Miguel Muñoz won two more, but not in back-to-back seasons, and Zizou joined them in the past couple of years. Winning a 3rd European title would cement him not only as one of the best coaches in the tournament's history, but it would also leave him as the best of the best in Real Madrid's laureated resume.
Zidane holds the UEFA Champions League trophy after winning the 2015-16 final against Atlético.
2. Go out on a high note after 30 months full of stress
Back when things weren't going their way this season, Zidane admitted that he had grown tired of being under public scrutiny, and hinted that he would be keen on stepping down even if he led the team to a third straight UCL title. Although fans have gotten used to his "cool as ice" look, Zidane may be willing to put an end to his stint at the Bernabeu, and finally get some rest after two and a half seasons at the helm.
Zidane has had to deal with some members of the Spanish press that have constantly questioned his tactics and coaching decisions.
3. His relationship with some of the squad's members
Having won almost everything with basically the same players may be a good thing, but not in terms of a day-by-day relationship. Yes, Zidane has a great relationship with team captains Marcelo, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo, but its his relationship with players such as Gareth Bale, Isco and some former footballers like James Rodríguez or Morata that raises some eyebrows.
There's a massive overhaul expected at the Bernabeu this summer, and even if Zidane approves some of those transfers, having to deal with more new players might not be Zidane's preferred cup of tea, especially after standing by his players for over three years.
Zidane and CR7 share a moment after winning the 2016-17 La Liga title, the first for Real Madrid in five years.
Only time will tell if Zidane decides to call it quits after two and a half seasons of success as Los Blancos' head coach. In the meantime, let's see how fate wants the 2017-18 UEFA Champions League title to be decided.
