3 Things We Noticed From Zidane’s Return As Real Madrid Coach
March 18, 2019
The Frenchman was reappointed Real Madrid coach last week and played his first match against Celts Vigo.
Zinedine Zidane is back! The legendary French player has returned in his second spell as a coach for Spanish giants Real Madrid. The Los Blancos have endured a torrid season, and have been eliminated from most of the major competitions. Zidane was reappointed last week and oversaw his first game in charge against Celta Vigo on Saturday afternoon.
Real Madrid had a brilliant performance and secured a 2-0 win over Celta Vigo at the Santiago Bernabeu. After a goalless first half, Real Madrid played better in the second half and scored two nice goals through Isco and Gareth Bale.
Here are three things we noticed from Zidane’s return as Real Madrid coach.
1. Notable changes in the lineup
The return of Zidane obviously spelled bad news for the players such as Thibaut Courtois, Dani Ceballos, and Sergio Reguilon. It was abundantly clear in the lineup where Keylor Novas, Marcelo, and Social were all handed a start.
Isco was restored to an attacking midfield role; Marcelo replaced Reguilon at left-back, and Keylor Navas replaced summer signing Courtois in goal. Gareth Bale also started the game and shone brightly. Bale scored Real Madrid’s second goal, he worked hard, was determined and was constantly a threat down the left flank. Asensio was also another impressive player on the pitch and contributed to the first Madrid goal.
2. Minor changes in the formation
Madrid played a 4-2-3-1 formation in the game against Celta; a midfield pairing of Modrić and Kroos, along with Asensio, Bale as Isco in attacking midfield.
Real Madrid also made some changes in their formation in the second half. After a lackluster first half performance, they shifted Benzema to the left flank, and Bale to the center of the attack. Benzema started cutting in from the left flank frequently, and that led to the opening goal. Also, Isco played in a more advanced attacking role and penetrated frequently into Celta’s penalty box. Casemiro was suspended for this game, so it is unclear of how the formation will be when he returns.
3. The confidence is back
Zidane seems to have breathed new air into the Real Madrid squad. The team is now looking confident and improved. There is a sense of positivity within the Real Madrid squad. It is clear to see that the Frenchman’s reappointment has brought in new hope, new purpose and renewed confidence. There are still so much work to be done to fix things in Madrid, but Zidane seems to be doing a good job already.
The new changes in the lineups, formations and renewed confidence were what we noticed as Zidane returned as Real Madrid coach. What did you notice?
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This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Collins Michael Nwokolo. Follow him on Twitter and Pinterest.
