Zidane, Klopp and Mourinho, three coaches and one wrong destiny
Their names came up throughout last season.
It is a recurring theme. The names of Zidane, Klopp and Mourinho surfaced last season when things were not going well for Carlo Ancelotti. One because of his glorious past at Real Madrid, the second because of the reputation he built at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool. The conversation centres on their lasting connection, or lack of it, with Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach, in particular, continues to divide opinion because of the memories some still hold from his time at the Bernabéu.
Once again, as happened last season, the names of Zinedine Zidane, Jürgen Klopp and José Mourinho have appeared in various media outlets in relation to a supposed interest from Real Madrid’s hierarchy in hiring them immediately. None of these three scenarios is realistic for several reasons.
Zidane has been waiting for years for the door to the French national team to open fully, and that moment has now arrived. The former Real Madrid player and manager will become France’s next head coach once the World Cup in the United States is over, taking over from Deschamps.
His relationship with Real Madrid was repaired after a period of distance following his departure as first team coach after the 2020 to 2021 season. Benzema’s Ballon d’Or win in 2022 helped to symbolize the reconciliation between Zidane and the club’s management. Since then, relations have returned to normal, although the former Ballon d’Or winner has no involvement in the day to day running of the club. It is also worth noting that none of his sons remain in the youth academy. Their inclusion is not being considered.
Jürgen Klopp’s situation is more straightforward. Working as sporting director of the Red Bull group, he lives in Mallorca, away from the day to day demands of coaching, and, as he himself admits, with no desire to return to the touchline. He does not feel drawn to managing a team again. His lifestyle suits him and he earns more than enough. A return to active coaching is not something he is contemplating.
The trio is completed by José Mourinho, perhaps the former manager who maintains the best personal relationship with Florentino Pérez and some members of the board, though this is based on friendship rather than professional interest. The coach ruled out any possibility of a return yesterday, and the club is not considering it either.
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The only certainty at present is that Xabi Alonso is Real Madrid’s head coach, and the plan, barring an emergency, is for him to remain in charge until the January assessment.
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