Zinedine Zidane has been leaving phrases in his appearances this season, with which he was anticipating Real Madrid that he would leave without fulfilling the remaining year of his contract if he did not get titles.
From December 1, when a second defeat against the modest Shakhtar made him rule out his resignation, until the veiled farewell with gratitude to his players on May 21, the French coach was sending messages that anticipated his second resignation from the bench.
December 1, 2020. Loss against Shakhtar.
Zidane: «I am not going to resign, not at all. We will continue. In a difficult moment, you have to draw character and pride. We are going to believe and I am convinced that we are going to fight ».
December 4, 2020. Zidane feels the club’s doubt.
«I have never thought that I am untouchable, neither as a player, a coach or as a person. I have been through difficult times in the past and it has always been difficult. Now it is, but I feel strong to try to find solutions.
December 8, 2020. On the eve of gambling his options in the Champions League against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
«The club will do what has to be done as usual, I am not thinking about that. We know the situation and what is going to happen is going to happen.
December 9, 2020. After saving the first ‘final’.
«I will never be the Alex Ferguson of Madrid, that’s for sure. I want to enjoy what I’m doing, I don’t know how long I’m going to stay. I’ve been in Madrid for a long time and I want to continue a bit.
January 20, 2021. Elimination of the Copa del Rey against Alcoyano of Second division B.
«When you lose there are always things that are talked about, but I take responsibility and what will happen will happen. I’m quiet. Let’s see what happens these days »
February 5, 2021. He explodes after digesting criticism in his confinement by coronavirus.
«I vindicate myself with my players so that they let us work. We have the right to fight, at least this year. It is true that next year we must change, but this year let us fight. A little bit of respect. Tell me to my face that you have to change the coach, but not only from behind.
February 13, 2021. Zidane’s dream.
“The French team may be a target one day. I said it ten years ago when I started training that it may be a possibility, but today, but my present and my duty is Real Madrid ».
March 19, 2021. The little importance of contracts.
«I don’t plan anything. You can sign ten years here and tomorrow you are out and vice versa. The world of football is what it is, I’m not going to change anything. I can only enjoy it because one day this is going to end ».
April 17, 2021. After the re-election of Florentino Pérez as president.
“I am happy for him, who will continue as president of Real Madrid. I do not see beyond tomorrow’s game. The contract means nothing. You cannot comment on anything I say because he never looks to the future. “
May 8, 2021. Real Madrid eliminated from the Champions League.
“We are going to finish the season, but I will always make it very easy for the club because they have always given me everything. The theme is the four games that remain to end the season well.
May 12, 2021. Zidane leaves the planning of the next course.
“Not at all, I only think of the three games that remain.”
May 15, 2021. The most direct message.
“It is said that the times I have left I leave because I take responsibility or because things get complicated, it has never been like that. What I do, I do it to the full and there comes a time when it is time to change, for everyone, not just for me, for the good of the players, the club, the people. There are moments in which you have to be and others in which you have to go for the good of all, not only mine ».
May 21, 2021. Final thanks to their players before the end of the League.
«I love my players very much, they have saved me on the pitch, they have always given everything in every game. I will always be very grateful«. EFE. (JL).