5 Possible Replacements For Zinedine Zidane

#2 Marcelino

Marcelino has got Valencia back to where they belong

The Spaniard has definitely put in his time: a manager since 1997, he's worked his way up Spanish football and is now getting the recognition his talents deserve.

In 3 seasons with Villarreal from 2013 to 2016, he guided the small club to 3 top-6 finishes; he also coached them to an incredible Europa League run, where they finished as semi-finalists in 2015/2016. Valencia came calling this summer and he's transformed the Spanish giants, taking them to 3rd place, 1 place ahead of Real Madrid.

The league title is almost certainly Barcelona's now but catching Atletico Madrid is definitely achievable for Marcelino if his lads keep their form up. Considering his overall trajectory, making it to Real Madrid would be the pinnacle of his journey.

His experience of La Liga could prove important in putting a stop to Madrid's woeful inconsistency. Too often, they've struggled away from home against smaller teams through inflexibility and arrogance; Marcelino would not allow this to happen.

Zidane was a gamble when the club hired him and it worked out for a while but a more knowledgeable and tough appointment in Marcelino could provide a positive change for Madrid.