Zinedine Zidane quits Real Madrid: will Arsene Wenger take over?

Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger is early favourite
to become Real Madrid’s next manager

One-Minute Read

The 45-year-old Frenchman, who replaced Rafael Benitez in
January 2016, has won nine trophies as Real boss. His record at
Real stands at 104 wins in 149 matches with 29 draws and 16
losses.

Speaking at a snap press conference today Zidane revealed he has “taken the decision not
to continue next year”. He said: “I know it’s a strange moment for
everyone involved, but I think it’s the right decision. After three
years, a change is needed. Something different, a different
message.”

After a meeting last night Zidane informed Real president
Florentino Perez of his plans. Perez told the press that he was
shocked by Zidane’s decision.

Perez said: “After winning the Champions League, I wasn’t
expecting this. He knows I loved him more than any other player or
manager and I’ve always wanted him by his side. Nobody can be ready
or prepared to get news like this.”

Zidane, who also won the La Liga title and the Champions
League as a Real player, would not speculate on the futures of some
of the club’s star players such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth
Bale.

“A change is needed,” Zidane said again. “I’m not going to
get involved in these things. I’m not here to talk about the future
of this team.”

On his future plans Zidane added that he is
“not tired of managing”. He said: “I’ve been managing
for three years but I think for me, the time to leave the club is
now.”

Who will replace Zidane?

AS reports that betting has been suspended on
former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger becoming Real Madrid’s next
manager.

According to Oddschecker, Wenger is the early favourite for
the job. Former Real star Guti is also an early contender as is
Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s Antonio Conte and
Maurizio Sarri. Ex-Napoli manager Sarri is also rumoured to be
replacing Conte as Chelsea’s next manager.

Next Real Madrid manager betting odds

• Arsene Wenger: 5/1 
• Guti: 11/2 
• Mauricio Pochettino: 6/1 
• Antonio Conte: 7/1 
• Maurizio Sarri: 8/1 
• Joachim Low: 12/1 
• Massimiliano Allegri: 16/1 
• Diego Simeone: 22/1 
• Juan Carlos Unzue: 25/1 
• Jurgen Klopp: 25/1