Report: Zidane has confidence of Real Madrid directors, players

Zinedine Zidane retains the support of Real Madrid’s board and dressing room despite a downturn in results that risks the club’s elimination from the Champions League, sources told ESPN’s Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez.

The manager vowed not to resign after Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Shakhtar Donetsk, saying he has “the strength needed to turn the situation around.”

While the club’s directors have faith in the Frenchman, there appears to be concern about his distrust of Madrid’s youngsters.

Zidane has relied on the veterans in his squad as he contends with injuries to Eden Hazard and captain Sergio Ramos. Vinicius Junior, the 20-year-old Brazilian who joined Madrid in 2018 for a reported €46 million, was a substitute in five of the last seven matches. Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard, whose loan spell at Real Sociedad was cut short earlier this year, has made just five starts all season.

But the players in the dressing room reportedly understand Zidane’s reluctance to gamble on younger players at such a delicate juncture of the season. Madrid are currently fourth in La Liga with 17 points from 10 matches and third in Champions League Group B with seven points from five.

Even if results don’t improve, it’s unlikely Madrid would fire Zidane, who helped the club win La Liga just four months ago. Though there are suitable replacements available – including former Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino – a change of coach would reportedly be challenging from a financial perspective. Like every other club in Europe’s top leagues, Madrid are suffering from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Los Blancos must beat Borussia Monchengladbach next week to guarantee progression to the Champions League knockout stage.