This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
On July 17, 2020, Zinedine Zidane made a surprising return to Real Madrid, a move that few expected. Almost 500 days later, he has achieved the unthinkable – winning the La Liga title, his second in the league and 11th overall as a coach.
When Zidane was reappointed in March 2020, Madrid president Florentino Perez promised a 'glorious new era.' However, the team was in disarray, 12 points behind Barcelona, and had just been knocked out by Ajax in the Champions League.
Despite the odds, Zidane remained steadfast, refusing to give up on his team. He said, 'The decisions that are up to me are on the pitch.' However, the results were not improving, and Zidane was on the brink of being sacked after a humiliating defeat by Real Mallorca in October.
However, Zidane's fortunes began to change when he brought in Fede Valverde, who brought dynamism and chaos to the midfield. The Uruguayan's arrival marked a turning point in the season, and the team began to show signs of improvement.
With Valverde's help, the defense tightened, conceding only nine goals during a crucial 21-game unbeaten run. Ferland Mendy proved a reliable alternative to Marcelo at left-back, while Thibaut Courtois blossomed in goal.
As the season progressed, Zidane's trust in young players like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo paid off, and Karim Benzema found arguably the best form of his career. The team's ability to exude confidence and diffuse pressure became a key factor in their success.
When the coronavirus pandemic hit, Madrid's players reacted better, coming back revitalized and determined to win the title. Zidane's willingness to rotate his squad became a key factor in their success, and the team's ability to win tournaments was rekindled.
On Thursday, Zidane hoisted his second La Liga title, a testament to his coaching prowess and the team's determination. As he said in his first press conference, 'Change is for the future. The important thing is I'm back.' And back he is, with two La Liga titles to his name.
