Before departing from the Santiago Bernabeu press room at the start of last summer, Zinedine Zidane said that he was leaving Real Madrid as the club needed several changes if it wanted to continue being successful. Fast forward several months and the Frenchman has returned to Real Madrid as manager, earlier than many expected. It will be his job now to be in charge of those changes.
Looking at recent results there is a lot of work to do. The goalkeeper position at Real Madrid in recent years has caused some friction. Keylor Navas has been linked once again to a move away from the club. The Costa Rican’s contract ends in 2021, and Keylor Navas has said on many occasions that he would like to end his career in Madrid. He has made 158 appearances games, produced hundreds of important saves and won Real Madrid many points.
The Costa Rican kept goal in the three Champions League wins in a row. Zidane was the manager and the man who believed in Navas the most. Real Madrid signed Courtois last summer, shortly after Zinedine Zidane departed the club. Thibaut Courtois has conceded 42 goals in 32 matches for Real Madrid.
Some believe that Zidane has yet to make a decision. Only he knows. Many fans support Keylor, others support Thibaut Courtois. Is there space at a club like Real Madrid for two world class keepers?
Will they both want to remain at the club if one isn’t first choice? Does Zidane want them both to stay?
The goalkeeping position has generated a big debate. There will be many others however. The Real Madrid manager made it clear that he intends to retain players who are committed to the cause and who show the right dedication and motivation. Anyone who wants to stay must prove to the coach that he is worthy of a place at the biggest and most demanding club in the world. There will be no hasty decisions but following the heavy defeat in San Sebastian this weekend, there may be more changes at Real Madrid than expected.
