Zinedine Zidane steps down as Real Madrid coach

Zinedine Zidane has decided to step down as Real Madrid coach. The Frenchman called a news conference on Thursday to announce his decision after winning nine trophies in his two and a half years at the helm.

"I think it is the right moment for me, for the squad and for the club,” Zidane told a packed news conference, where he was accompanied by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez. “I know it’s a bit of a strange time to do it, but it is the best time for everyone concerned. I think that this team needs to continue winning and it needs a change to be able to do so. The players need a different approach, another work method and for this reason I have made my decision. I love this club a great deal, and I will always be indebted to them, but I think a change is needed, so for that reason I have made my decision to not continue next year.”    

Zidane took charge of the team in January 2016 after the club had parted company with Rafael Benitez. In the two and a half years since then, he has racked up nine titles: LaLiga Santander 2016/17, three UEFA Champions Leagues, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and one Supercopa de España.