Real Madrid believe Zinedine Zidane will stay next season
By Max Cooper
Real Madrid are confident Zinedine Zidane will stay on as their coach next season, despite rumours linking him with a potential departure from Santiago Bernabeu.
The Frenchman's contract expires at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, but there are doubts over whether he will continue beyond this year off the back of a complex and draining season at the Blancos' helm.
Despite the possibility of ending the season without a trophy, Madrid have full confidence in Zidane's ability as manager, and according to AS, they 'believe' he will be their boss come the start of next season.
The Madrid hierarchy are satisfied with the work the 48-year-old has achieved this season, managing the complexities of an injury and coronavirus ravaged squad with grace. Although Los Merengues have failed in Europe and in the Copa del Rey, they are still in with a shout of retaining the Spanish league title as they head into the final matches of the campaign.
Zidane recently discussed his future as Madrid boss, claiming he will not complicate the situation as the club has 'given him everything.'
"I'm going to make it easy for the club. Madrid has given me everything."
The names of managerial giants Massimiliano Allegri, Joachim Low and club legend Raul have been mentioned as possible replacements for Zidane, but Madrid have not spoken to any of them over the possibility of joining forces in the summer.
An agent of one of the aforementioned coaches also explained that it's unlikely Zidane will now put them in an awkward position by leaving, given that they'd usually have his heir lined up and primed in such circumstances.
"If a club like Real Madrid thought about changing coaches or the possibility of a move, they would have already prepared a couple of possibilities to cover their backs."
Raul is believed to be the Madrid owners' ideal candidate to replace Zidane in the future, given his similar background, legendary status and understanding of big name players' mentalities.