Four Reasons Why Zidane Left Real Madrid After Winning 3 Consecutive Champions League Titles

• Zinedine Zidane is regarded as one of Real Madrid’s best-ever managers after two spells with the Spanish giants
• The Frenchman led the club to a historic three consecutive Champions League titles in his first spell in charge
• Zidane returned to Real Madrid in 2019 and won La Liga again and the Supercopa de Espana before leaving in 2021

Zinedine Zidane left his imprint as one of Real Madrid’s best managers but his decision to step away from his role in 2018 came as a shock to many.

The French legend began his coaching career at Real Madrid's Castilla after his playing career ended.

He held the post for two years before becoming the head coach of the first team in 2016.

In his initial two-and-a-half seasons, the Frenchman became the first coach to win the UEFA Champions League three times in a row, Wikipedia reports.

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Zidane also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup twice each, as well as a La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup.

So, why did Zidane leave?

Sport Brief - with the help of the Tribuna - has outlined four major reasons that could have led to the departure of the Frenchman at Real Madrid in 2018.

1. Fatigue and burnout

Real Madrid's head coach has a demanding job that takes a lot of commitment, concentration, and energy.

A total of nine trophies, including three Champions League titles, had been won by Zidane during his two and a half years as Los Blancos' manager.

Zidane felt that he needed a break to re-energise himself because the stress and demands of the job had worn him out.

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2. Lacking support from Real Madrid

Zidane endured some backlash from the Real Madrid hierarchy despite his success.

He and club president, Florentino Perez reportedly argued about transfer goals and team selection, and he believed the board wasn't giving him the support he needed.

The 1998 World Cup winner might have decided to leave because of this lack of assistance.

3. Uncertainty over Los Blancos future

Only a few days had passed since Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Liverpool when Zidane announced his resignation.

When Cristiano Ronaldo first hinted that he might leave the team, there was a lot of speculation about his future.

It's possible that Zidane believed it was time for him to leave because the team was experiencing too much uncertainty.

4. Desire for a new challenge

Zidane had always been an aspirational manager, and it's possible that he believed he had accomplished everything at Real Madrid.

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No other coach had ever won the biggest award in European football three times in a row as he had.

He might have wished to put himself to the test and accept a new challenge.

Zidane needs a new project

Sports Brief also reported on former Real Madrid coach, Zidane saying it is time for him to 'find a new project'.

The 50-year-old, out of work since 2021, was thought to be next to coach France after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Zidane's name has inevitably been linked with a number of roles, including coach of Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain.