ZINEDINE ZIDANE is set to stay as Real Madrid boss – because the club is skint.
The Frenchman, whose side were humiliated by a third division team in the Copa Del Rey on Wednesday, looks certain to be replaced at the end of the season.
Zidane is facing the Madrid axe at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters
Things are looking down for club legend since shock cup loss to AlcoyanoCredit: AP:Associated Press
But Real, who also do not have any money to sign players, also want to avoid the expense of bringing in a costly management team halfway through the season.
Zidane’s second-placed team are four points off city rivals Atletico Madrid in La Liga but they have played two games more.
But the big shock was the 2-1 loss in extra-time to Alcoyano in the last 32 of the cup.
Spanish newspaper AS called it ‘one of the most embarrassing pages in Real’s history’.
If Zidane does leave Real, it could mean a way back at Real for Gareth Bale.
Due to his disappointing form on loan at Spurs, it is unlikely that the North London club will take up their option of a second season.
Real, meanwhile, have little money as they are spending £500million on a ground redevelopment at the Bernabeu.
If Zidane is to go, former boss Max Allegri is favourite to replace him, ahead of sacked ex-PSG chief Thomas Tuchel.
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Zidane tries unsuccessfully to rally his troops during cup lossCredit: AP:Associated Press
Zidane, 48, admitted after Wednesday’s defeat that he faces a waiting game now to see if he will be kept on.
He said: “We’ll have to see what will happen in the next few days.
“It’s a tough time, we’re out. We had to do more, but we didn’t. But we have tried.
“Things are said when we lose. I’m calm, I think the players wanted to win when they were on the pitch.
“We tried. We’ve done good things this season, but not recently.
“You have to ask the players if they are getting the message, but I think they are.”
The La Liga champions face Alaves in their next game on Saturday night.
Martin Odegaard shows off his skills at Real Madrid training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
