From the moment Zidane took over as a coach at Real Madrid, fans and pundits alike asked the same question: why was Zidane a good manager? His climb, and achievements that made Zidane not only successful—but unforgettable—as a manager.
A Glorious Trophy Haul
A quick glance at Zidane’s silverware as a coach gives us the first clue to his greatness. In his first spell at Real Madrid (2016–2018), he guided the club to nine trophies—including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2015/16, 2016/17, 2017/18). That run remains one of the most remarkable in European football history.
What makes those achievements even more impressive is how efficiently he did it. In his early 20 months at the club, the total number of trophies he won matched the number of matches he lost—seven. That kind of balance is almost unheard of at such an elite level.
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Over both of his Madrid stints, Zidane has accumulated two La Liga titles, two Spanish Su, two FIFA Club World Cups, and of course the three Champions League trophies.
Strong Leadership and Player Management
Trophies open the door, but sustaining success demands leadership. Here are the key pillars behind Zidane’s influential presence as a manager:
Player Respect and Authority
Zidane’s pedigree as one of the greatest players ever gave him instant credibility in the dressing room. But he didn’t just rest on reputation—he earned respect. He knew when to be firm, when to be empathetic, and how to balance relationships with Galácticos personalities.
Delegation and Trust
He famously granted freedom to his starsing them to deliver. Rather than micromanaging, he set standards and let his players express their talent. This strategy often unlocked performances.
Calm in Crisis
When pressure mounted—especially in knockout fixtures—Zidane’s composure served as a stabilizer. He was often cited for his ability to “keep cool” when others cracked, which rubbed off on the team under duress.
Tactical Flexibility and Simplicity
Zidane wasn’t a coaching genius because he invented groundbreaking systems. He succeeded by adapting, simplifying, and maximizing resources.
Formation Fluidity
He shifted between a classical 4–3–3 and a more compact diamond midfield (a 4–4–2–diamond), depending on the opponent and the available personnel. The key was balance, not rigidity.
Midfield Architecture
A defining feature was how he orchestrated the midfield. Casemiro (or his equivalent) often held defensively, Kroos operated in a deep-lying playmaker role, and Modrić or an “#10” would push forward creatively.
He also cleverly used Kroos’ positional intelligence to cover vulnerable zones. When one flank was threatened, Kroos would shift slightly to provide balance and cover.
Pressing and Counter-Pressing
Under Zidane, Madrid often employed aggressive counter-pressing when possession was lost. This high-wire approach helped suffocate opponents and generate chances in transition.
Incremental Adjustments
He rarely overhauled everything in a match. Instead, he would make small, surgical tweaks—changing a midfielder’s position, adjusting a wing rotation, or altering the passing tempo. This low-noise approach prevented tactical breakdowns and frustration.
Consistency and Efficiency
Champions often ride highs and crash, but Zidane’s teams were consistent—especially in key fixtures.
- His win percentage across his managerial career hovers around 63%.
- He routinely prioritized marquee matches (Clásicos, Champions League knockout rounds), winning crucial battles rather than constantly overwhelming opponents domestically.
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- In European finals, Zidane’s teams were usually composed and clinical—reflecting his ability to keep pressure in check and get the job done.
Limitations and Criticisms
It would be dishonest to present a perfect image. Critics often point out:
- Lack of innovation: Some argue Zidane played it safe—leaning on star power rather than complex strategies.
- Dependency on superstar squads: His successes came at Real Madrid, with world-class talent at his disposal. Would he thrive in clubs with fewer resources?
- Periods of stagnation: In his second stint (2019–2021), Madrid had more inconsistent stretches and occasional tactical predictability.
Yet even in these periods, he often salvaged seasons, guiding Madrid back into the Champions League and domestic contention.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
So, why was Zidane a good manager? Because he blended leadership, tactical pragmatism, and mental fortitude in a way few others have.
- He reset expectations at a club where failure is never an option.
- He showed that elite chemistry and trust can sometimes trump rigid systems.
- His model has influenced younger managers who aim to manage star-studded teams with autonomy and composure.
Even today, his name is whispered in connection with the French national team job—many see him as the natural successor to Didier Deschamps.
Final Thoughts
Why was Zidane a good manager? Because he knew how to win under pressure, manage egos, adapt his tactics, and maintain consistency at the highest level. His journey.
If you want deeper dives—match-by-match tactics, player-case studies, or comparisons with contemporary managers—just say the word. AvigGoal is ready to takeu further into the world of football insight.
