This archive report was first published on 14 August 2019.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane's second coming began in March with a packed-out press conference under the Santiago Bernabeu, where the club's president Florentino Perez delivered a grand re-introduction.
"We need to start working on a glorious new era," Perez said. "That is why we welcome back Zinedine Zidane."
However, performances continued to drag, and the gap behind Barcelona widened. Zidane took over a team with nothing to play for and a squad he knew was in need of reform, having left nine months earlier.
There was no quick fix, and in his 11 games at the end of last season, Madrid won five. Zidane repeatedly promised progress, saying "Things will change, for sure."
Despite denials, the trials were seen as a chance to scan the line-up for clues on who would survive the summer. "The best thing for us is that it's over," Zidane said after the season ended in defeat.
Now, it begins again, with Zidane's second era as coach. Many wondered why he came back, risking everything after the perfection of three Champions League titles out of three.
He might have been encouraged by the signings of Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Luka Jovic, Rodrygo, and Eden Hazard for a total close to 300 million euros. Hazard was the headline act, a throw-back to a previous era that Zidane knew well.
"I'm not a galactico, not yet, but I hope I will be one day," Hazard said when he joined. However, Madrid's pockets are not as deep as they once were, and sales were also needed, by the club and their coach.
Zidane showed no inclination to make sooth and use Gareth Bale, instead urging the Welshman to make a move to China. "It is very close," Zidane said. "We hope he leaves soon, it would be best for everyone."
James Rodriguez is also yet to leave, and there were others that proved more difficult to bring in such as Paul Pogba and even Neymar. In other areas, Zidane has resisted change, backing experience over youth.
Marcelo, Casemiro, and Keylor Navas have stayed, while Marcos Llorente joined Atletico Madrid, and Sergio Reguilon and Dani Ceballos were sent out on loan. For all the talk of upheaval, Madrid's line-up against Celta Vigo on Saturday is likely to have a distinctly familiar feel.
Yet, there could be a new formation, with a 3-5-2 tried after some underwhelming showings in pre-season. Madrid have won La Liga only once in the last seven years, their failures in Spain excused only by unprecedented success in Europe.
"For us next year, the league must be our number one priority," Zidane said in April. In that sense, Madrid might profit if Barcelona aim their focus at the Champions League.
