FORMER REAL MADRID president Ramon Calderon believes Sergio Ramos and other players helped prevent Jose Mourinho from becoming the club’s new manager.
Madrid named Zinedine Zidane their new boss on Monday, just 10 months after the Frenchman walked away from his managerial role with the Blancos.
Zidane became Madrid’s third manager of a highly disappointing campaign, following Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari, who were both sacked.
Solari’s position became untenable following last week’s shocking Champions League exit at the hands of Ajax, ending Madrid’s run of three straight European titles.
Calderon believes that current president Florentino Perez was hoping to appoint a different former Blancos boss, but Ramos and other Madrid leaders intervened and helped push Perez to re-hire Zidane instead of Mourinho.
“It is great news for Real Madrid,” Calderon told Love Sport Radio of Zidane’s return.
The opinion of the dressing room leaders has prevailed over that of the president, after the quarrel between Sergio Ramos and the president.”
Ramos and other Madrid stars famously feuded with Mourinho during the Portuguese’s time managing Madrid between 2010 and 2013.
“This president thought Mourinho was the right one and he was his first option because he is one of those presidents that thinks a firm hand is important in the dressing room,” Calderon continued.
“But the players, and Sergio Ramos, told him and they did it publicly as well, that you have to take into account which managers have won the Champions League with Real Madrid: [Vicente] Del Bosque, [Carlo] Ancelotti and Zidane. It’s nothing to do with the style of play of Mourinho.
[Zidane's] first idea was to come in June but finally he’s accepted to come now for the rest of the season and for three more years. Finally we can get on the path of victory again.”
Calderon is also hoping that Zidane’s presence will help convince Chelsea star Eden Hazard to trade Stamford Bridge for the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer.
“Hazard has said many times that he likes Real Madrid and that he would be pleased to have an offer from there,” Calderon said.
“He’s also talked about his admiration for Zidane so maybe he can be one of the main signings but it depends on the player and on Chelsea. The price will not be low.”
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Barry Daly was particularly unlucky with injuries. A very effective try-scorer.
@Glenbower: would he be worth a shot by Connacht? Seriously depleted in the back 3
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: yes I think he’s a class player annoyed that leinster did not keep was extremely sharp before his injury.
@hypebeast: Totally agree. Great skillset and excellent finisher; I don’t remember him ever making a significant mistake. I prefer him to Kelleher in the back 3. He’d be a very good addition to the Connacht squad.
@Barra Mac An Bhaird: I have a feeling he may be retiring due to injuries
Sad to see Barry Daly is leaving
That’s remarkable work
New contracts for Leavy, connors and VDF…..
@#JUSTICE4NOEL: Maybe now that will put to bed any notions of other provinces scrounging around looking for one of them!
That’s a great mornings business. Delighted Fardy is getting another contract. He brings so much to Leinster. Great to see all the 7’s staying too though Leo has some selection headaches now.
@Kevin: Great to see Fardy stay. A real leader. We might see him in a coaching role in 2 years. 5 players promoted from the academy is a great return also.
Great bit of business, always good to see the academy lads getting senior contracts. Nice to see all the 7s are staying as well as Fardy.
Gutted for Barry Daly. Fastest man in the squad and hugely prolific scorer. Desperately unlucky with injuries, it’s such a shame. Schmidt even had called him into camp at one point.
Any of these players interested in a move West, Connacht getting weaker each year since 2016.
@Pretty Ladee: 2 of the players leaving are going west.
@Chris Mc: connacht need proven professionals not kids,
@Pretty Ladee: didn’t qualify for the Heineken cup 2 years in a row and followed that up by qualifying the next 2 years in a row, doesnt really sound like a decline ?
@Kohn Jeenan: look at this years departures, compared to signings, hardly an achievement qualifying for the heineken cup
@Pretty Ladee: there’s hardly a single player to come through the leinster academy that’s not ready for the pro 14
@Pretty Ladee: we’ve qualified on our own merit for the Heineken cup maybe a few times ever so I’m not sure how you can say it’s not an achievement, departures is kind of worrying but have to presume there’s some plan
@Pretty Ladee: Aungier is a gem of a player and a big loss to Leinster. He will soon be a favourate in the Sportsground
With Joe Tomane departing, I presume Leinster have room to sign another non Irish player, obviously not possible with the current economic situation.
Amazing to think that with Leinster’s academy, they will need nor miss this opportunity!
@Conor Mulloy: a none irish loose head might be the only requirement as healy will be away and is not getting any younger. Saying that it’s a great opportunity for the younger lads to step up.
@Chris Mc: A NIQ loosehead is a good shout. That said, Dooley had upped his game pre-COVID19 and was playing very well.
@Carmine Lorenzo: agree Dooley has stepped up but say going into a HC final and healy was injured dooley and Byrne doesn’t sound as good as healy and mcgrath
@Chris Mc: Nope it definitely does not, a certain drop off there. I guess we’ll find out soon enough whether Milne has what it takes.
@Carmine Lorenzo: if Leo trusts dooley Byrne and milne that’ll do for me.
Def jealous of that
Fantastic strength in depth and who would not want to sign on when the team is on the crest of a wave
Yeah v disappointed for Daly, He’s a VG player when fit
Great business by leinster selection ain’t easy delighted for Vardy
Are we becoming very forward heavy compared to backs. (with ferg and Rob) added to the list that moved on today