The announcement of Zinedine Zidane’s departure from his managerial post at Real Madrid shocked the world. The manager had just won his third consecutive Champions League with Los Blancos and the decision was rather unexpected.
Madrid had a lacklustre domestic campaign last season, as they finished in the 3rd spot behind Atletico Madrid and La Liga champions Barcelona. However, they seem to be unstoppable in the Champions League. Madrid became the first team to win the tournament three consecutive times in the competition’s history.
It has been an excellent journey for Zizou and his men, and although he has resigned as the manager, there is no way he’ll ever be forgotten.
In the meantime, Real Madrid must look for a new coach, and their former defender Fernando Hierro has been linked. Here, we take a look at three reasons as to why the Spanish coach could be perfect for the club.
Having played for the Spanish giants between 1989 and 2003, Hierro has spent time in the Bernabeu dugout before. He assisted Carlo Ancelotti from 2014 to 2015, and it goes without saying that the coach is certainly not new to the prospect of working for Real Madrid.
He shares a deep bond with them, having won the La Liga trophy five times along with three Champions League titles during his time at the club. He is deeply aware of their culture and football philosophy. Thus, it would be easier for Florentino Perez to sign him as the new manager, considering Hierro’s close relationship with the club.
Hierro wouldn’t be a stranger to the backroom staff and the other coaches, which will be a huge benefit for the team. When Rafa Benitez was hired to coach Madrid, his style of football and philosophy didn’t go well with the club and he immediately got sacked.
With Hierro, Madrid wouldn’t have to worry about his style of play or tactics. Given his past, Hierro understands Real Madrid inside out. Also, his affinity to play with counter-attacking football while dominating possession could work wonders for Los Blancos.
He took over from Zinedine Zidane as Real’s assistant manager when the French coach moved to manage Madrid’s Castilla side. Two years later, he was given a full managerial role at Segunda Division side Oviedo.
Hierro left the club with mutual content last year after failing to qualify to the first division. Nevertheless, a move to Madrid could benefit all parties involved and it will be interesting to see if this deal goes through.
