Kyiv’s Olympic Stadium was the scene of Zinedine Zidane’s last stand as Real Madrid coach before resigning in stunning fashion in May 2018 and the arena could spell the start of the end for his second tenure after Tuesday’s defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 2-0 loss left Madrid potentially staring at an exit from the Champions League group stage for the first time but even if they manage to beat Borussia Moenchengladbach next week and progress, it might not be enough to save Zidane.
Zidane shocked the football world by quitting as Madrid coach after winning a third successive Champions League crown by beating Liverpool in the Ukrainian capital in 2018. However, he insisted there was no chance of him throwing in the towel this time.
But according to the Spanish media, Madrid president Florentino Perez may make the decision for him.
“Zidane is in serious danger”, said newspaper El Mundo.
“The defeat was so damning it was hard to count the number of people responsible. Zidane is tasked with fixing things urgently, but the coach may not even make it for the last group game. Right now his presence against Gladbach is at risk.”
Daily El Pais added: “With so little, an ordinary Shakhtar left Madrid shaking.”
Zidane’s power as a motivator and problem-solver also seems to be waning, evidenced by Madrid’s lethargic performance in the second half.
The Frenchman has won three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles in around four years as manager across two spells, but his record will count for little if he cannot turn things around in an unforgiving trio of upcoming matches. WITH AGENCY INPUTS