Real Madrid identify surprise Zinedine Zidane replacement, Jose Mourinho snubbed

Posted Saturday, September 21, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Real Madrid identify surprise Zinedine Zidane replacement, Jose Mourinho snubbed
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified Zinedine Zidane’s replacement (Image: GETTY)

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has identified Zinedine Zidane’s replacement.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez wants Xabi Alonso to replace Zinedine Zidane if the Frenchman leaves the Bernabeu.

Zidane is under immense pressure after Real’s below-par start to the season.

The Spanish giants were held to two draws in La Liga before being hammered by PSG in the Champions League this week.

PSG beat Real 3-0 on Wednesday evening, with an Angel Di Maria brace and a Thomas Meunier goal the difference.

Real fans called for the club to sack Zidane after their dismal performance against PSG.

Many supporters demanded Jose Mourinho was reappointed at the Bernabeu, with the Special One out of work since being sacked by Manchester United.

However, according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Real president Perez sees Alonso as Zidane’s replacement.

They say the Real chief feels Zidane isn’t the right manager to lead their new-look side.

And Perez sees Liverpool hero Alonso, who currently manages Real Sociedad B, as an ideal replacement.

Real spent big in the summer, with the Spanish giants backing Zidane in the transfer window.

They signed Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo, spending around ￡300m.

However, Real’s new stars have struggled to shine so far this season under Zidane.

Real boss Zidane was fuming after their defeat at PSG in the Champions League, claiming his side didn’t have the desire to win.

He said: "They were better than us in every department.

Real Madrid identify surprise Zinedine Zidane replacement, Jose Mourinho snubbed
Real Madrid news: Xabi Alonso could replace Zinedine Zidane (Image: GETTY)

"In the play, in midfield, and the thing that annoys me most is the intensity.

"It's difficult if you don't start strongly.

"They are good at creating chances, that's not what worries me, it's seeing my team without the necessary intensity at the high level of this competition.

"We knew they'd pressure us but we didn't really get properly into the game at any stage.

"Intensity is the most important thing on the pitch.

"You can have your worst game, but if you play with intensity, put your foot in, win challenges, you can win the game - but we didn't."