Real Madrid: 3 players who could get a lifeline if Zinedine Zidane goes

There are very, very few Madridistas who want to see Zinedine Zidane leave the club at the end of the 2020-2021 season. Despite all the injuries and absences this season, Real Madrid are fighting for the league title until the very end and made it to the Champions League semifinals. Zidane’s managing ability and leadership are huge reasons why Real have been able to remain successful in the face of difficult odds.

But Zizou may be burned out. Reporting from Goal.com’s Mario Cortegana pains the picture of a man who is worn out by all the challenges he’s faced this season, and the people around him are starting to believe he may be ready to move on to a less stressful situation. And although they are not the most reliable source, Telemadrid have reported that Zidane will indeed step down at the end of the season.

In light of this uncertainty, let’s take a look at three players who may not be as upset as the rest of us to see Zizou go. These are players who have been on the fringes of the squad over the past couple of years and would relish the opportunity to prove themselves to a new manager. Zidane is incredible, but even the best managers cannot get the most out of everyone. These players will want to prove it was the manager – not their own faults –holding them back.

LB Marcelo

Marcelo did not make the squad against Granada, and Zinedine Zidane told reporters it was due to an injury. And that makes sense, since he took a knock over the weekend against Sevilla. However, Goal.com’s Mario Cortegana reported that there was an argument between the left back and his manager regarding tactics.

I’m sure Marcelo isn’t happy with his decreased role in the squad, but the reality is that he’s the third-best left back on the team behind Ferland Mendy and even Miguel Gutierrez, who impressed in Marcelo’s stead at Los Carmenes.

The club legend could very well leave for free this summer, but maybe a new manager will be more willing to work with Marcelo and carve out an attacking role for the 33-year-old.