BEVERLY HILLS, January 22, (THEWILL) – In the almost daily stream of COVID-19 positive cases in the world of sports, another big name came up on Friday when Spanish champions Real Madrid French manager Zinedine Zidane tested positive for coronavirus.
This development was confirmed by the club on their official website, with the 48-year-old going into a spell of isolation. In strict adherence to laid down protocols, the club will keep their manager closely monitored during this period.
The timing could not be more counterproductive coming at a time when Real are struggling for form on the pitch and results are not going as expected. Only two days ago, Los Blancos suffered the embarrassment of being dumped out of the Copa Del Rey by Segunda B side Alcoyano.
Zidane is fortunate to still have a job after that defeat which followed another Cup exit against Athletic Club Bilbao in the Supercopa de Espana last week. Some previous managers such as Bernd Schuster and Manuel Pellegrini were not as fortunate as they were dismissed on the back of being knocked out of only one Cup competition.
It is true that Zidane’s achievements outshine what can be attributed to any Real coaches by comparison in the modern era but the performances of the side this season have been a cause for concern among the club faithfuls. That is one reason Real remain second in La Liga, seven points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand.
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Their efforts to narrow that deficit and fight to take the leading position at the top of the table will have to be managed, for the time being, without Zidane in the dugout.
In his absence, the former French professional football player and coach David Bettoni, who is Real’s assistant coach, will be at the helm when they travel to Alaves on Saturday and as they face Levante at home the following weekend in their final game in January.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.