It’s official – Zinedine Zidane is the new manager of Real Madrid.
Despite having no top flight management experience to speak of, the footballing icon has replaced Rafa Benitez as Head Coach.
No doubt Real hope that Zidane will replicate the huge success that Pep Guardiola enjoyed at Barcelona when he was similarly promoted from within.
To say that reaction was mixed is something of an understatement. Many have grown up in dreamy admiration of Zidane the player and so are clearly excited by the news.
But more sceptical observers foresee huge risks in the promotion of such an unproven quantity.
A great number are just in awe…
Zidane was one of the most beautiful footballers I ever saw. A genius. Was lucky enough once to meet him. Hope he succeeds as a manager.
— Lewis Wiltshire (@LewisWiltshire) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/Copa90/status/684096575170285569
Dunno whether Zidane will be any good as manager but was one of my fav players. Was lucky enough 2b there for this https://t.co/hG5HU02Ti7
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/DiegoMCR77/status/684094961424281600
Others feel that his aura will be enough to command respect…
Hard to explain how much of an aura of class Zidane exudes in person. When he enters a room, you stop. When he speaks, you listen.
— Phil Kitromilides (@PhilKitro) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/AnantOfficial/status/684096145635672064
https://twitter.com/shasnain13/status/684095734275244032
But there are a hell of a lot of sceptics…
Might as well start putting the bets on when Zidane is going to get sacked. Ridiculous club, Benitez should never have even been appointed.
— CMK (@Conor_MK) January 4, 2016
One of the biggest fans of Zidane as player here but have to say appointing him as a manager right now is very risky. Not sure how he'll do.
— Spanish Gooner (@elspanishgooner) January 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/DinaAlRubaye/status/684096247570022400
https://twitter.com/7DarrenAnderson/status/684094886107287553
Absolutely brutal, Benitez won 17 and lost 3. Real Madrid showing no patience, and Zidane has no experience. Hope they fail now.
— Dan McMahon™ ⚡↗️ (@DanMcMahonF1) January 4, 2016
Anyhow, zidane has no real coaching experience, this could be disastrous… Or he could be extremely good and boss things. Stupid risk still
— Chubby (@ChubbyI_) January 4, 2016
Breaking news: zinedene zidane has been sacked as Real Madrid manager as he's failed to win any games in 2016
— Mike Bassett (@mike__bassett) January 4, 2016