Zidane on Modrić: He Didn't Need to Be Trained
Zinedine Zidane reflects on his time at Real Madrid, praising Luka Modrić's talent and suggesting he was already a top player who needed no special coaching.
In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Zinedine Zidane reminisced about his coaching tenure at Real Madrid, where he achieved remarkable success, including three Champions League titles. He highlighted the exceptional talent and professionalism of Luka Modrić, alongside fellow stars Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema, stating that his role as a coach was minimal for such high-caliber players. Zidane emphasized that the intrinsic skill of these athletes was evident in their training sessions, suggesting that his guidance was unnecessary for them.
After parting ways with Real Madrid following his second term, Zidane currently remains unattached to any managerial position. Speculation is rife in French media regarding his potential future with the French national team, particularly as Didier Deschamps is anticipated to step down from his role after the next World Cup. The discussion around Zidane not needing to provide extensive training to players like Modrić points to his belief in allowing exceptional talent to shine through natural ability and dedication.
Zidane's remarks serve to underline the impressive skill set of Modrić and his contemporaries, which not only contributed to club successes but also positioned them as some of the best players in football history. As Zidane eyes a possible return to management with the national team, his reflections also open a dialogue about the balance between coaching influence and player autonomy in high-stakes environments.