Former Real Madrid goalkeeper praises Zidane: Everyone respected him… and that’s what made him special

Former Real Madrid goalkeeper Kiko Casilla expressed his deep admiration for his former coach Zinedine Zidane, noting that all the players held him in high regard. Zidane, who managed Los Blanco’s in two separate stints, achieved remarkable success during his time at the club, winning both La Liga and the Champions League, thus cementing his place as one of the most prominent coaches in the club’s history. Casillas also mentioned that Zidane possessed a unique charisma and the ability to manage all the players, including those on the bench.
His experience during the 2017 season was exemplary, as Zidane effectively implemented a rotation policy, giving numerous players the opportunity to participate in matches. This strategy contributed to maintaining the team’s fitness and ensuring its readiness for major tournaments. Casillas recalled playing 19 matches with the reserve team during that period, highlighting the importance of integrating substitutes into the first team.
On the other hand, recent reports have suggested that Zidane might take over as coach of the French national team, succeeding Didier Deschamps. This could open new horizons for him after a period away from coaching. Despite having no coaching experience with clubs or national teams since leaving Real Madrid, Zidane has expressed his desire to return to management as soon as possible. His return will be closely watched, as football fans eagerly await to see how he will reshape the style of play under his leadership.
Meanwhile, rumors of Zidane’s return persisted as several major clubs underwent squad changes, raising questions about how he would utilize his experience to rebuild a strong team. His ability to motivate players and strike a balance between experience and youth would be crucial factors in any coaching project he leads. This return, if it materializes, could mark a new beginning for Zidane’s coaching career, amidst high expectations from fans.