Real Madrid Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane could be in line for a promotion earlier than expected, with senior team manager Rafael Ben tez reportedly in trouble because of recent results
Although it looked as though Real Madrid were on the mend following their Copa del Rey humiliation — Los Blancos were disqualified for fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev — the club took another step in the wrong direction last weekend, falling to a 1-0 defeat against Villarreal.
The defeat was all the more damaging for manager Rafael Ben tez because it was an opportunity for his team to close the gap to league leaders FC Barcelona to just two points. Instead, the distance is now an ominous five, and Real cannot afford any more slip-ups.
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Ben tez’s position at the club seems far from secure, with president Florentino P rez reportedly unhappy with the club’s results, and keen to see Castilla coach Zinedine Zidane in the managerial hot-seat.
Madrid-based newspapers Marca and AS both carried the story on their front pages, while France’s L’Equipe also had a similar story in their most recent publication. It appears as though the former Liverpool FC manager is on borrowed time, and with each ‘disappointing’ result, the chances of seeing Zidane take over the senior team are increased.
Good morning! Zinedine Zidane, is limbering up on the touchline. Today’s front cover of AS: pic.twitter.com/t2KCZWzLKR
a AS English (@English_AS) December 16, 2015
#LaPortada ‘Preparado’ pic.twitter.com/i48G4vIgcM a MARCA (@marca) December 16, 2015
According to Marca (via Daily Mail), Zidane is not averse to the idea of assuming first-team responsibilities midway through the season. Although it has been a while since a Real Madrid manager was sacked during the season, Ben tez will not last much longer unless he can avoid any more negative results.
Zidane could work better as ‘interim’ manager
If the decision was made to sack Ben tez midway through the season, Frenchman Zinedine Zidane would perhaps be the ideal ‘interim’ manager for the rest of the season. Given he has little experience in the managerial field, it might not be the wisest decision on the club’s part to award him a long contract.
Making him the interim manager gives them the chance to assess his capabilities and his suitability for the role, and the appointment can be made permanent in the summer if Zidane manages to impress.