In this article, FreeKickSEO will explore whether Zidane is a good coach—and by “good” we mean more than just trophies. Yes, Zinedine Zidane has one of the most decorated coaching resumes in modern football, but there are nuances in his style, strengths, and limitations that fuel the debate among fans and pundits. Let’s dive in.
Who is Zidane as a coach
- After his legendary playing career, Zidane took over Real Madrid in early 2016. He brought with him huge expectations.
- He managed Real Madrid across two spells (2016-2018, then 2019-2021), delivering domestic and European success.
This context—of inheriting big squads, star players, financial power—matters when assessing if Zidane is a good coach.
His track record: trophies, stats, and consistency
Here are the headline facts that support the case that Zidane is a good coach:
- Zidane won 11 major trophies during his first two spells with Real Madrid: multiple Champions Leagues, LaLiga titles, UEFA Su.
- He is the first coach in the Champions League era to win the competition three times in a row (2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18).
- His win percentage over his managerial career is impressive: approximately 63 % across matches with Real Madrid.
- Domestically, Zidane also showed consistency: LaLiga trophies (2016-17, 2019-20), good defensive records, strong performances in both domestic and international cups.
These stats show that he often delivered when expectations were astronomical.
Strengths: What Zidane does particularly well
Here are several areas where Zidane shines, supporting the view that Zidane is a good coach:
- Man-management and handling star players
- He managed big egos (Ronaldo, Bale, Ramos, Modrić, etc.) and got them to perform in crucial moments.
- His calmness under pressure often allowed top players to flourish rather than implode.
- Big-match mentality and Champions League pedigree
- His ability to prepare for and win knockout ties and finals is exceptional. The three consecutive Champions League trophies speak volumes.
- He often made tactical tweaks in finals or semi-finals that paid off.
- Instinctive, adaptable tactics
- Rather than being rigid, Zidane changes system based on opponent and match phase. Sometimes he’s defensive, sometimes more forward-thinking.
- Also, he could rotate squad well, balancing rest for big names, integrating youth when needed.
- Winning culture and psychological strength
- He inherits pressure at Real Madrid; expectations are sky high. Getting players to believe, to lift in big moments, to sustain belief even when performance dips: that is part of his gift.
Weaknesses: Where criticisms lie
Of course, the phrase “good coach” is not without caveats. Here are areas often pointed out when people question whether Zidane is great, or perfect:
- Benchmarking vs squad quality: Critics argue that a lot of Zidane’s success was built on having world-class squads, huge financial backing, and established stars. Some say many coaches could win with that arsenal.
- Long-term project & youth development: He has sometimes been less comfortable when tasked with building.
- Tactical innovation: While effective, he is not always considered among the most tactically avant-garde coaches. Sometimes his approach appears reactive rather than setting trends.
- Inconsistency between seasons: Real Madrid under Zidane had dominant stretches, but also runs of underperformance, especially against less glamorous opposition or during fixture congestion.
Comparison: Zidane versus peers
To decide if Zidane is a good coach, it helps to compare him with others in similar positions:
- Compared to managers like Guardiola, Klopp, or even Ancelotti, Zidane might lag in pure tactical experimentation but is ahead in terms of clutch winning, morale boosting, and Champions League success with limited time in certain seasons.
- Against other Real Madrid coaches: he is only behind Miguel Muñoz in number of trophies for the club.
Thus, among elite managers, Zidane holds his place firmly—especially in high-stakes, instant success environments.
Latest developments & recent performance
To fully assess whether Zidane is a good coachtoday, we need to consider recent performances:
- In his second spell (2019–2021), he won another LaLiga (2019-20) and Spanish Su.
- He also faced challenges with squad transitions, injuries, and inconsistencies, especially in Europe, which have raised scrutiny.
- Outside Real Madrid, Zidane has not yet tested himself in a long-term rebuild or with a smaller club, so questions remain about his adaptability in less perfect circumstances.
Verdict: Is Zidane a Good Coach?
Putting it all together, FreeKickSEO believes that yes, Zidane is a good coach—not just because of his trophies, but because of how he handled pressure, big games, and elite players. Whether he is among the greatest ever is more debatable, depending on criteria: tactical innovation, longevity, rebuilding, etc.
He is exceptional when it matters most: finals, high-pressure environments, big clubs. But some of his weaknesses mean that “good” might be more accurate than “revolutionary”.
Conclusion
Is Zidane a good coach? Yes—he is among the best, especially for delivering wins in big moments, managing superstars, and achieving silverware when it counts most. If you want brilliance in finals, consistency with top squads, mental toughness, Zidane ticks almost all boxes.
If you care more about long-term project building, tactical risk-taking, or succeeding in less forgiving environments, there are areas where Zidane might not shine as brightly.
If you enjoyed this breakdown, FreeKickSEO recommends diving into match-by-match tactical analyses of Zidane’s biggest games, or comparing his managerial metrics with other legendary coaches like Guardiola and Klopp. Let us know what you think: is Zidane a great coach, or just a superb winner?
