Zinedine Zidane set to quit Real Madrid

David Lynch

• Updated: 27 May 2021 14:47 BST
• 3 min read

Zinedine Zidane has decided to leave his post as Real Madrid manager with immediate effect.

According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Frenchman has elected to call time on a two-year second stint as manager of the club.

Zidane won a La Liga title and three Champions Leagues during his first spell in the dugout at Santiago Bernabeu after being promoted from managing Real Madrid Castilla in 2016.

The 48-year-old confounded expectations amid claims he had been handed the role solely off the back of a memorable playing career with the Spanish club to find secure more trophies as a manager.

That stay ended in the summer of 2018 when Zidane cited a “need for change”, but he swiftly returned to replace Julen Lopetegui in March 2019.

However, he was unable to repeat his initial successes the second time around, claiming just one league title and failing to clinch Europe’s biggest prize again.

This season ended in disappointment in the form of a first trophyless season for Real since 2009-10.

And the Spanish giants are now on the search for a new manager as they look to set things right in the coming campaign.

Who next for Real?

Massimiliano Allegri has long been touted as Real’s preferred choice to replace Zidane were he to leave this summer.

The Italian has been out of work since leaving Juventus in 2019 off the back of five straight Serie A titles, four Coppas Italia and two Champions League final appearances.

However, Antonio Conte’s shock departure from newly crowed Serie A champions Inter Milan could throw a spanner in the works for Allegri.

Former Real stars Guti and Raul have also been touted as potential appointments.