“Zidane’s return was, for me, almost an heroic act,” Valdano told ESPN. “He knew it was risky, but he did it. The president, and the club, must be very grateful. He should have a statue here at the Santiago Bernabeu, and another in Florentino’s garden.”
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“Just from his presence, the season ended much more peacefully than it could have. When there is no sporting director, it is the coach who must make the decisions.”
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“The risk he took would be in exchange for having the power to design the squad for next season.”
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“Things are different now from his first spell in charge, when he had clear leaders – Sergio Ramos for spirit, Luka Modric for football, Cristiano Ronaldo being decisive, and all at the height of their careers.
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“Now Zidane must put together something new, with new players coming in. We don’t know how they will adapt to a new city and the unique nature of this club. That will test him, but if anyone has won the confidence of the club, it is Zidane.”
