How will Zinedine Zidane fare as the new boss at the Bernabeu?

Although no one quite expected Rafa Benitez to reign supreme at the Bernabeu for very long, Real Madrid’s impatience nonetheless seemed a tad unfair when the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss was given the boot after just 18 league games in charge at the club.

 

Florentino Perez has never been known for his willingness to see things through down in the Spanish capital however, so maybe it should have really come as no surprise that Zinedine Zidane has already been sworn in to replace Benitez half way through the 2015/16 campaign…

 

So then, seeing as it doesn’t take much for even the most high profile managers to suddenly lose their job among the notorious La Liga giants – will Zidane succeed at Real Madrid, or does he risk tarnishing his idolized reputation at the Bernabeu when all is said and done?

 

Well, if former Real Madrid left-back – Roberto Carlos – is to have any meaningful say within the discussion, perhaps Perez has finally landed the right man for the job this time around…

 

Roberto Carlos: "With Zidane, I’m sure that Real will play better. It’s the best decision. He is not a coach, he is a professor."

— Real Madrid Info (@RMadridInfo) January 6, 2016

 

…even if some believe a certain former Tottenham Hotspur man could lose his place at the Bernabeu as a result of Zidane’s recent appointment…

 

Has anyone seen the video of #Zidane shaking all the #Madrid players hands? Anyone else notice how awkward the shake with #Bale was?

— Paul Marsh (@PaulSwampyMarsh) January 6, 2016

 

Recently installed Valencia manager – Gary Neville – nonetheless remains open minded regarding the fate of the French World Cup winner within the Real Madrid dug-out, especially given his own shock introduction within the Spanish La Liga of late…

 

Gary Neville: Zidane? "There are experienced coaches who fail, there are young coaches who succeed & vice versa" pic.twitter.com/btIoylHu3Z

— RMadridista (@01RMadridista) January 5, 2016

 

Some however feel somewhat apprehensive as to whether or not the 43-year-old legend will ruin his past reputation with Real Madrid as a result of this brand new venture…

 

I really hope Zidane succeed bc I'd hate to see his amazing legacy get destroyed by a poor management skill

— Abdelwahab (@AbdelWasabi) January 5, 2016

 

Former Bayern Munich manager – Ottmar Hitzfeld – has also taken a rather sceptical stance towards Florentino Perez’ latest decision…

 

Ottmar Hitzfeld: "Zidane is a manager without any experience. He only lives on his famous name as a player."

— RMadridFact (@RMadridFact) January 6, 2016

 

Yet even in light of all those criticizing Zidane’s obvious lack of managerial experience, the main man himself has had his fair say on the topic as well…

 

Zidane: "I've met Mou, I've met Carlo. I learned from all of them. They're great managers with great experience."

— SocialRMadrid (@SocialRMadrid) January 5, 2016

 

In the end, it seems most of the global footballing community in general want this move to work out well, simply on the back of all the prior respect Zinedine Zidane has already amassed as a player first and foremost…

 

Couldn't care less about Real Madrid but I'd love to see #Zidane do well ?? what a player ??⚽️

— Gina (@Ginaaar7) January 4, 2016

 

…despite a handful of critics nevertheless making themselves heard within the crowd…

 

#RealMadrid Bringing Zidane on in the middle of the season is a bad decision and the way it was handled with a lack of class

— Steven Bastian (@stevenbastian) January 5, 2016

 

So then, although Zidane’s future at the Bernabeu remains far from certain at this particular stage in the proceedings, at least Real Madrid have landed themselves arguably the suavest man for the job if nothing else…

 

zidane is a fashion icon pic.twitter.com/UppxVMWp3c

— your friend hancock (@hancxck) January 6, 2016