This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
Real Madrid's president Florentino Perez welcomed back coach Zinedine Zidane in March, hoping to start a 'glorious new era' for the club.
However, the team's performances continued to drag, and the gap behind Barcelona widened.
Despite the challenges, Zidane remained optimistic, saying 'Things will change, for sure.'
But the results, and attendances at the Santiago Bernabeu, told a different story.
"The best thing for us is that it's over," Zidane said after the season ended in defeat.
Now, with a new season underway, the pressure is on Zidane to deliver results.
Many wondered why he came back, risking everything after the perfection of three Champions League titles out of three.
But Zidane was encouraged by the signings of Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo, and Eden Hazard, who signed for a total close to 300 million euros.
However, sales were also needed, and Zidane showed no inclination to make concessions, urging Gareth Bale to make a move to China.
"It is very close," Zidane said. "We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone."
But Bale's agent told AFP that Zidane was a 'disgrace' and that the deal was not progressing as planned.
With the new season underway, Zidane's focus is on La Liga, which he considers the club's top priority.
"For us next year, the league must be our number one priority," Zidane said in April.
