Par Pierre-Andréa Fraile | Sports journalist
A memorable author as a player at Real Madrid, Zinédine Zidane also filled the club’s trophy cabinet as a coach. One of his former players remembers a shocking scene in the Merengue locker room.
Long-time Real Madrid fans still remember seeing his legendary volley against Bayer Leverkusen in 2002. That year’s Champions League winner with the Spanish club, Zinédine Zidane went on to win three times another. Not in a player’s suit, but in a coaching suit, during a very successful tenure on the Madrid bench.
Zidane’s memorable cry quoted by one of his former players
The holder of the XXL squad between 2016 and 2018, Zidane then received the label of a leader of men more than a good supporter. For some, being close to Real executives would have been enough to succeed. However, the French were also able to use blowers. In the podcast OffsidersBorja Mayoral particularly remembers the one that happened in 2018, when they returned against Bayern Munich:
Borja Mayoral: We were trailing 1-0 at half-time (the actual score was 1-1, editor’s note). We played very badly and if I remember correctly, it was (Joshua) Kimmich who got the score. We went back to the locker room and everyone was quiet. And then Zidane arrived … I never saw that, he went into the dressing room and started shouting. He said, “Everybody out except the players!” » The physiotherapists, the assistants: he shot everyone.
At that time he gave a speech that surprised me. He told us that we were at the Bernabeu, that we were fighting for a place in the Champions League final, for the Madrid logo…
Even more than the words that his coach found to wake up the whole team, it was an attitude above all that characterized the Spanish striker:
Borja Mayoral: I think it really came from the bottom of his heart because Zidane is a very calm person. He rarely got angry but this time… he was brutal. I think he shook all the players, even Sergio Ramos, Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphaël Varane, Karim Benzema…
As calm by nature as a coach as he is a player, Zizou nonetheless came off his guard in the face of a ferocious performance from his troops. It must be said that the context needed more than ever, in a season where the Merengue only finished 3rd in the La Liga standings. And it is clear that this rant produced immediate results, as the Mayor recalls:
Borja Mayoral: And in the 46th minute of play, a goal from Benzema.
Frustrated by the resistance shown by his Real Madrid in the second round of the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, Zinédine Zidane put the dots on the i at half-time. This, before marking the qualification for the final, then the victory of the team.
2024-11-24 00:46:00
#Coach #Zidane #surprised #Real #player #dressing #room
**Given the contrasting possible impacts of Zidane’s outburst – motivation vs. apprehension – how might this event have shaped the long-term relationship between Zidane and his players?**
## Interview: “Zidane’s Shocking Dressing Room Rant”
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World-Today News. Today we’re diving into the legendary figure of Zinédine Zidane, not just as a player but as a fiery motivator on the bench. Joining us are two esteemed guests: [Guest 1 Name], a football analyst with years of experience dissecting tactics and team dynamics, and [Guest 2 Name], a former professional footballer who understands the pressure cooker environment of high-level competition.
Let’s explore this compelling story of Zidane’s outburst and its impact on Real Madrid’s Champions League run.
**Section 1: The Calm Before the Storm**
* **(To Both Guests)** Zinédine Zidane is famously known for his composed demeanor, both on and off the pitch. What makes this particular outburst so unusual and unexpected in the context of his personality?
* **(To Guest 1)** From a tactical standpoint, what might have been occurring in the match against Bayern Munich that could have driven Zidane to such an extreme reaction at halftime?
**Section 2: The Impact of a Rant**
* **(To Guest 2)** You’ve been in the heart of the dressing room. How do you think Zidane’s outburst would have been received by the players? Was this a motivating factor, or could it have had a detrimental effect on team morale?
* **(To Both Guests)** The article mentions that Benzema scored a crucial goal shortly after halftime. Do you believe this was a direct result of Zidane’s pep talk, or would there have been other contributing factors at play?
**Section 3: Beyond the Win**
* **(To Guest 1)** This incident highlights the fine line between inspiration and intimidation in leadership. Do you think Zidane’s approach was effective in the long run for motivating Real Madrid, or could it have sown seeds of apprehension amongst the players?
* **(To Guest 2)** Sharing a dressing room with a manager like Zidane, did incidents like these shape the overall team dynamic and understanding of his coaching style?
* **(To Both Guests)** Do you think this story sheds light on Zidane’s broader coaching philosophy and the methods he employs to push his team towards success?
**Closing:**
This glimpse into Zidane’s management style through this powerful anecdote reveals the complex dynamics at play within a top-tier football team. Thank you to our guests for sharing their insights and perspectives. What are your thoughts on Zidane’s approach? Let us know in the comments below.
