Zidane In Trouble

The Spanish press did not hold back in their criticism of a “shattered” Real Madrid, a team “in crisis” after their 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Villarreal in La Liga, AFP reports.

“Inexplicable” was the front-page headline on Madrid sports daily Marca on Sunday, which remarked that the reigning Spanish and European champions “don’t know what is happening to them” in La Liga.

Just days after Zinedine Zidane signed a new contract until 2020, serious questions are being asked of the Frenchman’s ability to turn things around after two trophy-laden years in charge.

Real have picked up just one point from their last three league games and have won only once in five, form that leaves them fourth in the table, 16 points behind leaders Barcelona, who go to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

“No goals, no luck and no explanation,” said sports daily AS on their front page.

“Everything is going wrong,” wrote editor Alfredo Relano in his column. “This result sinks Madrid further into the sombre mood that has invaded everyone, including Zidane.”

If they had already all but given up on any hope of retaining the league title even before Saturday’s game, there are now even concerns that they could miss out on a top-four spot altogether.

Real are eight points behind third-placed Valencia, who were 2-1 winners at Deportivo on Saturday.

They are also only one point clear of Villarreal in fifth — not since 2004 have they finished outside the top three in La Liga.