The atmosphere isn’t as buoyant as it was in Zidane’s initial spell as manager, when he won three European
Cups and a league, and there has been much more tension this time out with the senior players. Some are
said to have been unhappy with certain managerial approaches.
Madrid president Florentino Perez hasn’t always had the easiest of relationships with Zidane, either,
despite that sensational success in Europe.
Some feel this is down to the fact the Frenchman has not been as subservient to Perez as others in the role,
and is sure of his footing given his success as a player and coach. The Madrid president had to persuade
Zidane to come back to the job in March, having already tested whether Pochettino would be available.
The Argentine has long been admired by the Bernabeu hierarchy, but has previously proven impossible to
extract from Tottenham Hotspur. As a free agent, and with a series of major clubs interested, Pochettino is
expected to return to work in Europe this summer. Mindful of this, Madrid have asked to be kept informed
of any offers, and to maintain an open line of dialogue.