Zinedine Zidane is reportedly Real Madrid’s first choice to replace Rafa Benitez if the plug is pulled on the Spaniard.
According to Marca, there is “no turning back” on Florentino Perez’s decision to earmark the Castilla boss over the likes of Jose Mourinho, Victor Fernandez, Antonio Conte and Fabio Capello.
Furthermore, Zidane ticks all the boxes as he has enjoyed the President’s support since joining as a player in 2001, earned the squad’s respect and would be able to take charge immediately.
The publication explains that every game could be the Benitez’s last, with no more room for error and only short-term gains enough to see him survive.
However, a poor performance on Wednesday against Real Sociedad could see the Coach depart, regardless of the result.
Perez has never hidden his affection for Zidane, who returned to Madrid in 2010, initially as a first-team advisor under Jose Mourinho.
Zizou was then promoted to sporting director in 2011, before he was named one of Carlo Ancelotti’s assistants two years later.
The patron also believes the former France international has the potential to replicate Pep Guardiola’s impact at Barcelona.
