Zinedine Zidane Makes Real Madrid Job Admission Ahead of Testing Week
By Ali Rampling
Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane insists he has the support of the club despite his side's patchy start to the season - but admits he is aware he is not 'untouchable'.
Zidane has won two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues across two spells in charge at the Bernabeu, but his future has been the subject of speculation after Real lost three of their last six league matches, while qualification from their Champions League group is in jeopardy.
Real lost home and away to underdogs Shakhtar Donetsk, and defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach in their final group game will result in the club failing to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in their history.
The Real manager will face big questions - and potentially the sack - should his side fail to escape from their Champions League group, and Zidane is all too aware that even with his past credentials, his job is may become untenable.
"I have never thought that I am untouchable, neither as a player, nor as a coach nor as a person," Zidane said [via Marca.] "I am here to live through this until the last day.
"It's my position, that's how it is. When you don't win, it's like that. It's normal for criticism to exist, but it won't change what I think. There have been other difficult moments. This is the present and I feel strong to find the solutions."
Real face a pivotal week of fixtures, with a trip to fifth place Sevilla in La Liga on Saturday, before their crucial Champions League clash with Gladbach on Wednesday and then the visit of rivals Atletico Madrid the following Saturday - but Zidane says his players are up for the challenge.
"We know the situation and we want to compete. It is another opportunity to turn a page and I trust my players," he added. "I know the situation is complicated, we have experienced a similar situation many times.
"I completely believe that I have the support of the club. I can't be happy when we lose a game, but we know where we are. It's lucky to fight for this club and that's what I'm going to do until the last day. And the players too."