Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has revealed why Zinedine Zidane is returning to the club and not Jose Mourinho.
Zidane has been already confirmed as club’s head coach in a deal that will keep him until 2022. According to the former club chief, popular players in Madrid’s dressing room rejected the idea of reappointing Mourinho. During his time at Santiago Bernabeu, Mourinho clashed with Iker Casillas and Sergio Ramos.
“He initially said no because he thought the idea of coming now might be a problem but he left open the possibility of coming in June. But finally, he has been offered to come now for the rest of the season and three more years. I think it is a good choice – the other option was Jose Mourinho but the dressing room leaders have pushed to reject that possibility.” Calderon is quoted by Sky Sports as saying.
“Zidane is able to continue the work that he did but it is a risk for him to go back and the squad has now changed. When he left he said it was imperative to keep Cristiano Ronaldo as well as find a solution for Gareth Bale – maybe he has the opportunity to do something different but it will be difficult to do again what he did last time. But there is no doubt it is a popular appointment for both the players and supporters – he left a good impression. The players loved him and he was able to change the ideas of coaches like Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho managing with a strong hand. And of course, he is an idol with the fans – playing for the club as well as managing them to three Champions League trophies in a row.” he added.
The Frenchman won three Champions League trophies with his former side. He had been linked to Juventus and Chelsea before.