Jose’s Real return is KOd by Madrid stars as three-time champ Zizou takes role again
ZINEDINE ZIDANE has made a sensational return to Real Madrid – after the players “rejected” Jose Mourinho.
The Frenchman was reinstated at the Bernabeu after signing a three year contract having left just 10 months ago despite winning a third straight Champions League.
But it comes after a dramatic U-turn on Mourinho who had been lined up to make his own return to the Spanish giants.
Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said: “Zidane will be received well by the players, who were rejecting the idea of Mourinho coming. We are very lucky to have him here.
“It’s a good choice. The other one was Mourinho and in the last days the leaders of the dressing room have pushed to reject him.”
It’s the second time this season that player power has blocked an appointment as last October the players – led by Sergio Ramos – also stopped ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte getting the job.
Mourinho gained a reputation in his first spell at Real Madrid of falling out with the club’s biggest stars, including legendary keeper Iker Casillas.
Incredibly, Zidane will be Real’s third manager this term as former Spain boss Julen Lopetegui’s short reign ended in disaster and the sack after less than three months.
Ex-youth team boss Santiago Solari was sacked on Monday less than a week after Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions BY ED CASEY League after a to Ajax to leave club in crisis.
That left club president Florentino Perez scrambling and he approached Zidane last week – only for the 1998 World Cup winner to turn down the offer.
That prompted them to move for Mourinho.
Calderon said: “Zidane rejected the chance to come, left it open to return in June but has now been persuaded to come now.
“Of course it’s risky because it’s difficult to do what he did in the first time that he was here. He proved that the idea that Rafa Benitez and Mourinho had that you need a strong hand, you don’t need that.
“He’s an idol here, he was as a player and as a coach of course, winning three Champions League titles in a row.” shockdefeat t h e