Former Real Madrid Coaches: Where Are They Now?
The revolving door of managers at Real Madrid is almost as famous as the club itself. With sky-high expectations and a demanding fanbase, the Real Madrid hot seat is one of the most precarious jobs in football. So, what happens to these coaches after their time at the Santiago Bernabéu comes to an end? Let's dive in and take a look at some notable former Real Madrid coaches and see where their careers have taken them.
Vicente del Bosque: The Quiet Achiever
Vicente del Bosque is undoubtedly one of the most respected and successful coaches in Real Madrid's history, even though his initial appointment wasn't met with universal acclaim. Taking over in 1999, Del Bosque, a former Real Madrid player himself, brought a sense of calm and stability to the club. His man-management skills were second to none, and he fostered a team spirit that allowed the Galácticos to shine. Under his guidance, Real Madrid won two Champions League titles (2000 and 2002), two La Liga titles (2001 and 2003), a Spanish Super Cup (2001), a UEFA Super Cup (2002), and an Intercontinental Cup (2002). Del Bosque's tactical approach was often understated, but his ability to get the best out of his star-studded squad was remarkable. He preferred a balanced approach, focusing on solid defense and allowing the attacking players the freedom to express themselves. After leaving Real Madrid in 2003 in a controversial decision by club president Florentino Pérez, Del Bosque took some time away from the game before eventually taking over the Spanish national team. With La Roja, he achieved unprecedented success, winning the 2010 World Cup and the 2012 European Championship, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time. Del Bosque retired from coaching after Euro 2016 and has since remained a respected figure in the footballing world, often providing insightful commentary and analysis. His legacy at Real Madrid and with the Spanish national team is one of understated brilliance and remarkable achievement. He proved that sometimes, the best leadership is the quietest and most composed. He is a true legend.
José Mourinho: The Special One's Second Act
José Mourinho, The Special One, arrived at Real Madrid in 2010 with a reputation as one of the best coaches in the world. After achieving success with Porto, Chelsea, and Inter Milan, Mourinho was tasked with breaking Barcelona's dominance in Spanish football. His time at Real Madrid was marked by intense rivalry with Pep Guardiola's Barcelona, and while he did manage to win a La Liga title in 2012, as well as a Copa del Rey in 2011 and a Spanish Super Cup in 2012, his tenure was ultimately considered a mixed bag. Mourinho's tactical approach was characterized by a pragmatic and often defensive style, focusing on counter-attacking football. While this proved effective against Barcelona at times, it didn't always endear him to the Real Madrid faithful, who traditionally prefer a more attacking and flamboyant style of play. His confrontational personality also led to clashes with players and staff, creating a divisive atmosphere within the club. After leaving Real Madrid in 2013, Mourinho returned to Chelsea, where he won another Premier League title in 2015. He then managed Manchester United, winning the Europa League and League Cup in 2017, before being sacked in 2018. Following a brief stint as a pundit, Mourinho took over as manager of Tottenham Hotspur in 2019, but was eventually dismissed in 2021. Currently, José Mourinho is managing AS Roma, where he led the team to win the UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022. Despite his controversial nature, Mourinho remains a highly sought-after coach, and his track record speaks for itself. His time at Real Madrid may not have been as trophy-laden as some of his other jobs, but he undoubtedly left his mark on the club. He is a complex and fascinating figure.
Carlo Ancelotti: The Serial Winner
Carlo Ancelotti is one of the few managers to have coached Real Madrid twice, and his tenures have been marked by success and stability. His first stint, from 2013 to 2015, saw him deliver the club's long-awaited tenth Champions League title, La Décima, in 2014, as well as a Copa del Rey in the same year. Ancelotti's calm and composed demeanor, combined with his tactical flexibility, made him a popular figure with both the players and the fans. He favored a balanced approach, adapting his tactics to suit the strengths of his team and the weaknesses of his opponents. After leaving Real Madrid in 2015, Ancelotti went on to manage Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton before returning to the Bernabéu in 2021. In his second spell, he quickly re-established himself as a key figure, leading Real Madrid to win La Liga and the Champions League again in 2022. Ancelotti's ability to manage egos and create a harmonious environment within the squad has been crucial to his success. He is known for his excellent man-management skills and his ability to get the best out of his players. Currently, he continues to manage Real Madrid, aiming to add more trophies to the club's already impressive collection. Ancelotti's longevity and success at the highest level of football are a testament to his coaching ability and his adaptability. He is a true master of his craft and one of the most respected coaches in the game.
Zinedine Zidane: The Legend's Touch
Zinedine Zidane, a Real Madrid legend as a player, also enjoyed remarkable success as a coach. Taking over in 2016, Zidane led Real Madrid to an unprecedented three consecutive Champions League titles (2016, 2017, and 2018), as well as a La Liga title in 2017. His tactical approach was often pragmatic, focusing on utilizing the strengths of his star-studded squad and creating a winning mentality. Zidane's calm and authoritative presence, combined with his deep understanding of the game, made him a highly respected figure in the dressing room. He had a knack for making key tactical adjustments and substitutions that often proved decisive in big games. After stepping down in 2018, Zidane returned to Real Madrid in 2019 and won another La Liga title in 2020. His ability to motivate and inspire his players was crucial to his success, and he created a strong bond with the squad. Zidane's legacy at Real Madrid is one of unparalleled success, and he is considered one of the greatest coaches in the club's history. After leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021, Zidane has been linked with several top jobs, but has yet to return to coaching. His next move is eagerly anticipated by the footballing world. He is a true icon and an inspiration to many.
Rafa BenÃtez: A Brief Interlude
Rafa BenÃtez's time at Real Madrid was short-lived, lasting only from June 2015 to January 2016. Appointed to bring tactical discipline and defensive solidity to the team, BenÃtez struggled to win over the players and the fans. His tactical approach, which emphasized a more cautious and structured style of play, clashed with the club's tradition of attacking football. He also faced challenges in managing the egos of the star players and struggled to create a cohesive team spirit. After being sacked in January 2016, BenÃtez went on to manage Newcastle United, where he achieved cult hero status by guiding the team back to the Premier League and keeping them there despite limited resources. He then had a spell in China with Dalian Professional before returning to the Premier League with Everton in 2021. However, his time at Everton was also short-lived, and he was eventually dismissed after a poor run of results. Currently, Rafa BenÃtez manages Celta Vigo in Spain. While his time at Real Madrid may have been unsuccessful, BenÃtez remains a highly respected coach with a proven track record. He is a tactical expert and a dedicated professional.
Where Are They Now? A Quick Recap
So, there you have it, guys! A glimpse into the post-Real Madrid lives of some of the club's most notable former coaches. From Vicente del Bosque's quiet brilliance to José Mourinho's ongoing quest for silverware, these managers have all left their mark on the beautiful game. Carlo Ancelotti continues to reign at the Bernabéu, while Zinedine Zidane remains a coveted figure waiting for the right opportunity. And while Rafa BenÃtez's time at Real Madrid may have been brief, he continues to ply his trade with passion and dedication. The Real Madrid managerial carousel never stops turning, and the stories of these former coaches serve as a reminder of the highs and lows of life at the top of the footballing world.
