Real Madrid lost to Leganes at home on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid have been a huge disappointment this season.
After becoming the first team to successfully defend the Champions League trophy, the consensus was that this was the beginning of a dynasty. Alas, it has not gone to plan.
Madrid are fourth place in LaLiga, trailing Barcelona by 19 points and last night things got even worse.
They were knocked out of the Copa Del Rey last night, losing the second leg of the semi-final to plucky Leganés. A 47th minute goal from Karim Benzema gave Madrid a two goal lead, but Leganés responded with two of their own to send them through on away goals.
It’s as if the footballing Gods have ripped up the script for the season, condemning Madrid to constantly drop points at home and stripping Cristiano Ronaldo of his ability to finish.
But blaming fate is an easy excuse. The squad and the manager must take some responsibility.
Zidane did just that last night, describing this rut as his “worst moment as a coach. I don’t regret anything I did in the game, though. I take responsibility for what I do.”
Yet, he also admitted he doesn’t know the solution to ending this poor run of form:
“To start this tie in the manner we did it’s really bad”
“For that I’m angry. I don’t understand what’s going on.”
Despite winning eight major trophies at Real Madrid since his appointment, if you do not maintain a high level of success at Madrid, the hierarchy can be ruthless. Zidane admitted:
“I’m responsible for this, I’m the boss. I have to find the solutions. We’ve found some of them but not consistently enough. I need to take responsibility and I’ll always fight.”
Having been knocked out of the domestic cup, trailing Barcelona and facing Paris Saint-Germain in their next Champions League game, it could be a season without silverware for Zizou. That could spell the end of his reign at the Bernabeu.
