Real Madrid’s injury struggles for the 2020/21 season have majorly dented their chances in several competitions like the Copa del Rey and the Supercopa de Espana. However, Zidane’s team have kept themselves in the title race and also look poised to make it to the quarter-final’s of the UEFA Champions League.
The team had adapted and adjusted as the injury list has grown over time. The seriousness of the situation is being massively downplayed in all honesty. A club of Real Madrid’s stature has been finding it difficult to put together a playing eleven with only a mere twelve first team members available for selection.
This situation is particularly dangerous when playing against quality opposition. Post his starting eleven, Zidane has had to resort to B Team players off the bench. The situation is serious and grieve, but who is to be blamed for this and has Zidane confused personal and professional relations? The 4th Official lists out two transfer deals by the French gaffer that are perplexing to understand in the current situation –
James Rodriguez
Real Madrid seem to have made a poor mistake by letting go of James Rodriguez on a free transfer to Premier League side Everton. The Colombian midfielder joined Everton at the end of the last season. James Rodriguez has scored five goals this season in addition to the four assists in just 18 appearances. The player’s reunion with manager Carlo Ancelloti has worked wonders for Rodriguez’ career. He would have been a vital asset for Zidane to have at his disposal at this point of the season where Los Blancos are crippled with injuries. James was once Real Madrid’s most expensive signing in the transfer window and things have taken a massive turn for the two parties involved since 2014.
Luka Jovic
Luka Jovic secured his loan move to Frankfurt in the recently concluded winter transfer window. Even though Jovic was neglected by Zidane on several occasions this season, the striker could have had a significant impact on the team’s performances if he was not loaned out. The current situation could have been the ideal opportunity for Jovic to rise out of the shadows of Karim Benzema at Real Madrid. The Frenchman is approaching 34 years of age and Jovic could have cemented his place as Real’s number nine for the years to come. However, it is what is at the end of the day and Zidane will be an extremely lucky man to make it out of this crisis without severe damage to his job in the Spanish capital.
