#4 The Zinedine Zidane factor
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Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager finally managed to bring the team together under one banner, with everyone seemingly playing for the greater glory of the club than for individual appraisals or personal honors; under Don Carlo’s reign, Los Blancos finally managed to win the 2014 edition of the Champions League, with Ronaldo arguably in the form of his life.
However, his hands-off approach finally began to show some cracks on the seams, and after a trophy-less 2015, he was let go, with Rafa Benitez hired to guide the team in future endeavours.
While Rafa was hardly the problem, the team seemed to digress further, with the Spaniard only given half a season in charge before the role of manager was handed to club legend, Zinedine Zidane. While the move was initially criticised as Zidane was percieved to lack the experience, the move was arguably one of the best the club has done in the past few years. Under the Frenchman, Real Madrid seem to have a genuine game plan and an identity that seemed to be lacking for so long at the club.
Everyone plays for each other, and the team spirit is at an all-time high. They are currently cruising at the top of La Liga and Zidane’s flexible tactics have seen the team adapt to most opponents with relative ease, Their never say die attitude has seen the club rescue seemingly lost matches, with the 2016 Champions League final the epitome of the ethos Zidane has strived to implement at the club.
His view towards the transfer market and promotion of youth from the underutilised academy has meant that the Madrid club is primed for the future, with things finally looking settled for once; without constant speculation on whether the manager will be sacked.
Their incredible unbeaten run earlier in the season coupled with some exemplary home form at the Bernabeu under Zidane will mean that Real Madrid should definitely be one of the favourites to reach the finals and retain their title.
