Four big problems Zidane's successor faces at Real

Bao Lam June 3, 2018 06:23

The French strategist left with a third consecutive Champions League title but left many difficult problems at Bernabeu.

Real could fall into a spiral of instability if Ronaldo follows coach Zidane to leave. Photo:AFP.

Real Madrid seem to be unprepared for the day of parting with Zidane, who suddenly held a press conference to resign despite having a contract until 2020. However, whoever succeeds him understands that the road ahead is full of thorns with long-standing problems.

Cristiano RonaldoRonaldo is Real's biggest star but dropped a bombshell right after the Champions League final about his future at the Bernabeu. The superstar said he was "happy to play for Real and will give an answer in the next few days". When Ronaldo's answer had not appeared, coach Zidane went one step ahead by deciding to resign at the top.

Ronaldo's dissatisfaction began after the Champions League final in Cardiff last year. At that time, Ronaldo was promised a salary increase by President Perez, but the Real chief decided to postpone it after only a month. Adding fuel to the fire, the rumors of Real's connection with Neymar and President Perez's silence made Ronaldo even more unhappy.

During the ceremony to celebrate the 13th European Championship, the fans chanted Ronaldo's name and urged him to stay. After Zidane left, Ronaldo's uncertain future made the atmosphere in the Real dressing room even more stifling. Stabilizing this atmosphere will be the first task for Zidane's successor.

Bale's future will depend on the new coach. Photo:Reuters.

Gareth BaleBale has put himself on the transfer market with his comments after the Champions League final, where he became a hero with a brace. The Welshman could not hide his disappointment at not being in the starting line-up for the final and demanded to play every week. Bale said he would have to sit down with his agent and make a decision, highlighting the possibility of leaving.

Last summer, Bale showed his determination to try his hand at white by rejecting Man Utd. However, the season was not a happy one until the final month. Bale was in good form during this time, but was still left out of both the semi-finals and the final by Zidane.

Zidane's departure opens up the opportunity for Bale to stay in Madrid. The player has been protected by President Perez and the new coach's attitude will decide Bale's future.

Navas lost his protector Zidane. Photo:AFP.

Goalkeeper positionhas been controversial at Real since parting ways with Iker Casillas in 2015. That summer, Real thought they had David de Gea but a "fax machine incident" caused the Spanish goalkeeper to stay at Man Utd while Keylor Navas continued to guard for the Bernabeu team.

The Costa Rican goalkeeper has contributed greatly to the achievement of winning three consecutive Champions League titles but is always in a state of anxiety. Real has continuously made moves to replace Navas with names such as De Gea, Courtois, Leno...

In the January 2018 transfer window, Real wanted to bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga, but coach Zidane himself blocked the deal. The French strategist showed his protection for Navas and did not think that goalkeeper was a position that Real needed to change. However, Zidane's departure made Navas' future completely dependent on the new coach.

Neymar and transfer dealswaiting for a new coach in the summer of 2018. Real's collapse in the domestic arena shows that they need innovation in the squad and this reform will depend largely on Zidane's successor. Rumors related to Neymar and a striker of the level of Lewandowski or Harry Kane, will be expected to shock this year's transfer window.

Bao Lam