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Key decisions for Zidane as Madrid rebuild begins
MADRID, March 15, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Zinedine Zidane has promised change at
Real Madrid this summer and the last 11 games of the season will give an
indication as to who will be part of his new era.
Zidane’s first match since being reappointed as coach comes against Celta
Vigo on Saturday, with Madrid lying in no-man’s land in La Liga, 12 points
behind Barcelona in first and 10 ahead of Alaves in fifth.
Atletico are away to Athletic Bilbao while Barcelona travel to Real Betis
on Sunday.
But several Madrid players are playing for their futures before the
campaign ends and Zidane’s selection will offer early clues as to his
thinking about his squad.
Here, AFP Sport looks at five areas of contention ahead of the game at the
Santiago Bernabeu this weekend:
Bale clean slate?
Gareth Bale was the player many hoped would step up after the departure of
Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus but injuries have again disrupted his rhythm
and, when fit, he has only delivered in flashes.
Zidane lost patience with Bale last year, believing the Welshman to be a
liability defensively and unreliable with his fitness. The pair were barely
speaking at times and while Zidane’s departure opened the door for Bale to
stay, his return may now prompt his exit.
Navas or Courtois?
Keylor Navas was a favourite of Zidane, who repeatedly persuaded the club
against signing a new goalkeeper, such was his faith in the Costa Rican.
After Zidane left, Madrid bought Thibaut Courtois and while Julen Lopetegui
used both players, Santiago Solari put his faith in Courtois and left Navas
out in the cold.
Restoring Navas would be a bold move, particularly given Courtois cost the
club around 40 million euros last summer. But the Belgian’s form has not been
particularly convincing and Navas remains a popular figure in the dressing
room.
Marcelo or Reguilon?
Solari promoted a handful of youngsters during his tenure and while
Vinicius Junior was the most spectacular to emerge, Sergio Reguilon has been
excellent at left-back too.
The 22-year-old is adept both going forward and defensively while his
crossing has proven a significant attacking weapon.
Marcelo was dropped by Solari, considered out of form and out of shape, but
was a regular under Zidane, who values the Brazilian’s character and
experience, as well as his ability.
Isco revival?
Isco’s situation could hardly get any worse. He failed to start a single La
Liga game under Solari and was surely destined for an exit in the summer if
the Argentinian had stayed in charge.
But Zidane’s return offers new hope for the midfielder, whose time under
the Frenchman was far from plain-sailing but finished on a high.
Isco pointedly said at one stage last season he preferred playing for Spain
than Madrid under Zidane, only to then regain his place and start both legs
in the semi-final and the final in the Champions League. He will be hoping to
continue where he left off.
Llorente or Casemiro?
In the end, results left Solari with nowhere to turn but few could argue
against his courage in giving youth a chance.
The 24-year-old Marcos Llorente impressed greatly in midfield and it
remains to be seen whether his progress now continues under Zidane. Casemiro
and Toni Kroos have both endured disappointing seasons alongside Luka Modric,
who continues to be linked with a move to Italy.
Zidane may be tempted to spend big in the summer but might do well to look
closer to home as well. Llorente looks ready to step up.
Fixtures (times GMT)
Friday
Real Sociedad v Levante (2000)
Saturday
Huesca v Alaves (1200), Real Madrid v Celta Vigo (1515), Athletic Bilbao v
Atletico Madrid (1730), Leganes v Girona (1945)
Sunday
Eibar v Real Valladolid (1100), Espanyol v Sevilla (1515), Valencia v
Getafe (1730), Villarreal v Rayo Vallecano (1730), Real Betis v Barcelona
(1945)
BSS/AFP/GMR/0934 hrs