50 days for Zidane to save Real Madrid's season

Posted Tuesday, December 26, 2017 by Marca.com

There is no other option, those in charge of Real Madrid have decided to all but write off their league campaign this season, with everything now focused on the Champions League, and a huge clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

They won't admit it publicly, but 14 points behind halfway through the season is a huge obstacle to overcome.

The logical objective now is the Champions League, where they will face the most difficult possible rival in the next round in the French champions.

That is why Zinedine Zidane has 50 days to save the season, 50 days to prepare for a clash which will determine whether or not the season can be saved.

After all, it is titles that will be remembered, and that's why 2017 was the most successful year in the history of Real Madrid.

Before making big decisions in the January transfer window, Florentino Perez and Jose Angel Sanchez want to take some time for reflection, though they are fully aware of the errors made in the past and the need to face what's left of the season with a new look.

There is no problem with the current squad, but a new arrival will provide a threat to the regulars in the starting line-up, one thing which has been sorely lacking during Zidane's reign.The heavy defeat to Barcelona will cause a speeding up in the process behind the scenes in the next few days, with talks already ongoing.

However, January signings can be difficult and often turn into problems rather than solutions.

The aim is to sign a goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga, a defender and a striker, although Zidane does not want a forward.

The mistakes were first made when Kylian Mbappe's father made demands which the club could not meet, after the player had said yes to Florentino Perez, as his wage requests were too high to keep a happy dressing room.

Now, five titles later, the fans are demanding new players ready to get revenge on Barcelona.

This initial error has consequences in that four of the new arrivals this season were watching the defeat from the stands, a clear indication that the summer was a failure.

The Spanish and European Super Cups showed that the team is still competitive, but the return to league action, where Real Madrid have always been strong, saw a woeful start that now leaves no margin for error.

Coaching staff have, for some time, pointed to a return to BBC as a saviour, but the success of the team has prevented it.

Now, they know that what was merely a suggestion beforehand is now an obligation next summer, with Karim Benzema one of the first names potentially even up for sale.

What is for sure is that the management at the club doesn't have any intention to improve his contract.