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Real Madrid worth success within the Champions League above all else, however the 13-time champions head into Wednesday’s sport in opposition to Borussia Moenchengladbach with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Should they endure a humiliating group stage exit, ending their outstanding run as the one workforce to ever keep away from elimination at this part, coach Zinedine Zidane’s future shall be in danger. A win for both facet within the Spanish capital will assure them passage by way of to the final 16 from Group B. If Madrid draw and Shakhtar win or draw with Inter Milan within the different group match, the Spanish giants shall be out.
Reports within the Spanish capital have linked Madrid with former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, at present with no membership, ought to they half methods with Zidane, whereas Real Madrid Castilla coach Raul Gonzalez, a prolific striker for the membership up to now, has been touted as a ‘plan B’.
The Frenchman’s predecessor Santiago Solari was sacked after the humiliating last-16 exit in opposition to Ajax within the Champions League in 2019, paving the best way for him to return simply 10 months after his sudden departure.
Last season’s elimination on the identical part by Manchester City was mitigated by the workforce’s robust home efficiency, as they floor their solution to the Spanish title, however one other early failure in Europe could show to be the ultimate straw for trigger-happy president Florentino Perez.
“Zizou is a magnificent coach, a good friend and will do everything possible to have Madrid in the best position possible,” said former Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas, defending the coach against the mounting speculation over his future.
“You can not dwell up to now, however he has earned the appropriate to guide Madrid.”
Ramos returns
However, despite his success during two stints in charge, winning three Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles and two Club World Cups among other silverware, and his fine history as a player, a defeat could make Zidane Madrid’s eighth managerial casualty in 10 years.
He is at least boosted by the return of captain Sergio Ramos and right back Dani Carvajal. The Spanish duo are important parts of Madrid’s defence.
Ramos in particular is essential, with Madrid having lost eight of their last 10 European games in which the 35-year-old has not played, including the Ajax and Manchester City eliminations.
Zidane got a boost after a narrow 1-0 victory over Sevilla on Saturday, Real’s first Liga win since October.
“The previous couple of days have been very powerful however this workforce has numerous character and loves challenges,” Zidane stated.
“Today’s win is very important for what is coming next. We know when we don’t play well we will be criticised but we have to focus on the positives and keep trying to find consistency.”
Madrid nearly fell to defeat in Germany in October however last-gasp objectives from Karim Benzema and Casemiro helped them earn a 2-2 draw after Marcus Thuram’s double put Gladbach forward.
A pair of wins in opposition to Antonio Conte’s underwhelming Inter Milan bought Madrid again on monitor however a dismal 2-Zero away defeat by Shakhtar Donetsk at first of December left Zidane desperately needing a victory this week.
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Madrid then host league leaders Atletico Madrid in a derby conflict on Saturday, one other essential match in every week which may outline the Spanish champions’ season, and their coach’s future.
After the Shakhtar defeat Zidane insisted he had no intention of resigning, but when the workforce stumble in opposition to Marco Rose’s Gladbach, that call could also be taken out of his palms.
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