Football Icons - Part 9: Zinedine Zidane

By David Lee Wheatley

Born in Marseille to Algerian parents on 23^rd June 1972, Zinedine Zidane grew up playing football with his neighbours and friends in the main plaza of his housing complex in amongst the concrete high-rises. It was within those humble surroundings that the young Zidane honed his abilities and eventually led to a move across to AS Cannes at the age of fourteen, via two youth teams in which he featured named US Saint-Henri and SO Septèmes-les-Vallons.

Tall, elegant and highly skilful, the attacking midfielder made a first-team debut shortly before his seventeenth birthday in May 1989 against Nantes. His first full campaign of involvement with the senior side culminated in the club’s highest league finish since the forties, thus leading to qualification for the UEFA Cup. His partnership with emerging forwards Amara Simba and George Weah terrorised defences right across France, as the team from the south of the country took Ligue 1 by storm.

Unfortunately, a partial break-up of the squad was inevitable and that summer saw Amara Simba return to his parent club Paris Saint-Germain following his loan spell, while the exciting Weah transferred to glamorous Monaco. That left behind a Cannes line-up bereft of goal threat and they fell alarmingly to 19^th spot and were sadly relegated. That sudden downturn in fortunes led to the exodus of the club’s remaining stars, including the influential ‘Zizou’ to Bordeaux.

The switch to the wine region allowed him to blossom with a big-name outfit and he became integral to the team. It was with Bordeaux that he made his first steps on to the international stage in 1994 and he exploded on to the scene by scoring twice as a substitute against the Czech Republic in a 2-2 draw. Zidane quickly assumed the playmaker role and helped his country to the semi-finals of Euro ’96 in England. However, his performances weren’t up to his very best standard throughout the tournament, with many observers believing an imminent move to Juventus in Italy was affecting his game in some way.

This was in stark contrast to his exploits at club level, where he was named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for 1996, while assisting Bordeaux to the final of the UEFA Cup. Disappointingly for Zidane, they were convincingly beaten over two legs by Bayern Munich. Remarkably, Les Girondins made it all the way to that showpiece event from a mid-summer Intertoto Cup victory which led to their participation in the UEFA Cup initially. It was a run which included fine triumphs over the likes of Real Betis and Milan as they made their way arduously through to a meeting with the Bavarian giants, who proved too strong for them in the end.

Serie A awaited for the Frenchman, with a move to Turin giants Juventus confirmed post-Euros having been mooted throughout the competition. Some doubted his ability to shine on the highest level following some inconsistent performances for his national team, but he proved that notion wholly incorrect when spearheading a Scudetto and Champions’ League charge with Juve. The Bianconeri claimed the Italian league title by a two-point margin from closest challengers Parma, but failed in their quest for the European Cup at the Olympiastadion against a resolute Borussia Dortmund.

Juventus retained their crown the following season, with Zidane in imperious form with seven goals from 32 league appearances. Yet, the Champions’ League trophy alluded him once again thanks to a narrow loss against Real Madrid in the black-and-white’s third consecutive final.

That summer, Zidane stood out at the World Cup finals held in his homeland during the summer of 1998. Despite the midfield man receiving a red card for a stamp on a Saudi opponent in the second group match of the tournament, he played an crucial part in the run to a final meeting with Brazil at the Stade de France and came alive in front of goal with two crucial headers putting Les Bleus two-up. Fellow midfielder Emmanuel Petit sealed the victory with a third, prompting a party on the Champs-Elysees involving over one million people dancing in the streets with utter joy. The Juventus star was hailed as the hero of a nation, as illustrated by his image having been projected on to the Arc de Triomphe in recognition of his achievements during the festivities. Furthermore, Zidane was named FIFA World Player of the Year after his exploits for both club and country.

Another three seasons in Juve colours cemented him as one of the greatest footballers of his generation, but the Italian club lost their grip on the Scudetto during that period, ending as runners-up in the league table twice within that time.

Meanwhile, France hammered home their domination of international football by claiming the European Championship title in 2000 when defeating Italy in extra-time of a closely contested final. French football was on top of the world, with both global and continental competitions captured, and Zidane’s stock was at its pinnacle come 2001; the Galacticos project was in full swing at Real Madrid and the only step up on offer for the majestic assist-maker was a switch to the Spanish capital joining up with arguably the greatest club side in the universe. A fee in the region of 75m euros was agreed to take him away from Turin following five sterling years of service in order to begin a new chapter with a team looking to obliterate all obstacles to their lofty ambitions of European success.

Zidane signed a four-year contract at the Bernabeu when joining up with superstars such as Luis Figo, Iker Casillas, Roberto Carlos, Raul, Claude Makelele and many others in a squad brimming with quality. The decision to leave Juventus in search of greater accomplishments proved the correct one, with Real winning the 2002 Champions’ League to secure a title which previously escaped the former Bordeaux man throughout his stay in Italy. Zidane scored one of the most remarkable volleys ever witnessed at Hampden Park in the final tie with Germans Bayer Leverkusen, expertly swivelling to connect with his left foot before sending the ball crashing into the roof of the net. That strike turned out to be the match-winner and delivered Real’s ninth European Cup in their history, adding that prestigious medal to Zidane’s already impressive collection.

At international level, France lost their talisman due to a thigh injury for the opening two fixtures of the 2002 World Cup and by the time he was restored to the side it was too late; they dropped out of the tournament in the first round having failed to garner even a solitary goal from three group matches. It was a wretched attempt from the Champions of Europe to defend their position at top of the world game and suggested they were nothing without Zidane’s considerable influence.

La Liga was Real's the following year back in Madrid and yet another FIFA World Player of the Year accolade wound its way to the Marseille-born genius in celebration of his magnificent feats on the football field and those silky skills which so entranced fans and opponents alike. His passing accuracy, penchant for scoring important goals, sublime vision and ease on the ball made Zidane a fantastic spectacle to behold and placed the Frenchman among the footballing elite, both in a contemporary sense and historically.

France made it through to the quarter-finals of Euro 2004, as if to confirm their rapid fall from grace on the international stage. With that, Zidane hastily announced his intention to retire from national duty, only to return at the behest of coach Raymond Domenech for a qualifier in September 2005 against the Faroe Islands when it became apparent that the French were in grave danger of missing out on the German-hosted World Cup of 2006.

Thanks largely to the reinstatement of old hands Zidane, Thuram and Makalele to the set-up, Les Bleus managed to rescue the qualification campaign and duly take their spot at the World Cup. With Zidane installed as captain and inspirational leader, they went all the way to the final in hugely exceeding most observers’ expectations, but lost to Marcello Lippi’s defiant Italian team. Zidane had made public his decision to give up professional football at the conclusion of the World Cup in early May and therefore everybody knew the clash in Berlin would be his last.

It initially seemed that fate may have been on his side when Zizou nudged France in front after seven minutes from the penalty spot, Marco Materazzi levelled on 19 minutes and the contest laboured into extra-time. Zidane almost notched again with a header during the first period, but the excellent Gianluigi Buffon was equal to his effort. It was in the 110^th minute of proceedings, in the dying embers of the match-up, when the most extraordinary incident unfolded involving the two goalscorers. The two foes squared up prior to Zidane unleashing a ferocious head-butt firmly into the chest of the strapping Azzurri defender. A distinct feeling of shock was palpable around the Olympiastadion, due to the speed at which the situation flared-up merely from a case of shirt-pulling into the scuffle that ensued. Though no shrinking violet – his red card in the final was a fourteenth of his distinguished career – most onlookers usually chose to focus on the marvel and wonderment often created by the artistry of Zidane, as opposed to various unsavoury misdemeanours.

He unfortunately tarnished his heroic reputation somewhat by indulging in such volatile behaviour, thus blotting his copybook on the very last football match he would take part in after a sparkling 17 years in the professional game. Italy went on to claim victory by way of a penalty shoot-out, while the Golden Ball winner (for being voted Player of the Tournament) was unable to effect the outcome in any way. It later became clear that Materazzi had been ‘trash-talking’ in the direction of his opponent, which resulted in an insult spewing out of the Italian’s mouth pertaining to Zidane’s sister. The 34-year-old’s response was to become the aggressor and lash out with his head towards Materazzi and that last-ever action on a football pitch was burned on to the memory of those in attendance and viewing at home.

However, the overall consensus surrounding Zidane was that his supreme ability as a footballer far outweighed any disciplinary indiscretions and that he should be remembered as one of the greatest footballers of his era.

Following 108 caps for his country, numerous domestic and continental titles to his name and an abundance of personal accolades to look back on with fondness, Zidane retired from football completely when still enjoying his best form. Many of his supporters wished Zidane to continue and try to erase the image of his mistake in the World Cup final, while also dragging a few more years out of his tiring body. But, he stuck to his guns and did not return.

Instead, Zidane now acts as an assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, as they search for their fabled tenth European Champions’ Cup this weekend in Lisbon against city rivals Atletico Madrid. After 12 years of trying for ‘La Decima’ since the Frenchman’s stunning strike in Glasgow brought up their ninth triumph, perhaps this could finally be the time to do it.  

Twitter: @davewh1980 

Bayern must keep faith with Guardiola

By David Lee Wheatley

Fresh from his celebratory beer-soaking yesterday afternoon following a 1-0 victory over Stuttgart at the Allianz Arena in the last league fixture of a title-winning campaign, Bayern head coach Pep Guardiola now looks ahead to the DFB-Pokal final next week in which he hopes to secure the double during his first season in charge of the German giants.

Much has been written and said railing against the former Barcelona supremo's insistence on the enforcement of his famed possession-based tactical philosophy after the Bavarians bowed out of the Champions' League in meek fashion to Real Madrid at the semi-final stage. Many observers feel that Pep simply doesn't have a 'Plan B' to fall back on when his tiki-taka approach isn't working satisfactorily enough.

Despite the growing number of doubters, it's difficult to argue against his side's domestic dominance which has Bayern sitting at the top of the table by an incredible 19-point margin above closest challengers Borussia Dortmund, whom they also meet in Berlin for the showpiece Cup final next Saturday. The Munich outfit have plundered 29 wins from 34 games played, while drawing three and losing just two; both defeats coming after the league crown had been confirmed.

A potential double on home soil, coupled with a run to the last four of Europe's premier competition, would normally be more than adequate at most clubs. However, the reigning continental and World Club Cup holders have been heavily spoiled by their extraordinary success of recent years and are struggling to adjust to the fact that they haven't made yet another Champions' League final.

What must be noted is that Guardiola is in the midst of a huge task that will take time to fully integrate and indeed should eventually pay handsome dividends if the club's hierarchy and fanatical support show patience towards the Catalan tactical guru. He took over a Bayern side that was all about power, pace and physical presence; now he wants to keep that to an extent, allied to his favoured style of passing, movement and high pressing. It's not an overnight job and that has to be recognised in order for Pep to finally realise his ultimate goal of leading the Germans to the greatest heights in their history.

Guardiola himself recently stated: "I cannot be Bayern coach if I have to say things I don't agree with. That would be bad for the club and for the players, who are intelligent. They wouldn't trust me if I wasn't true to myself.

"It's up to the club to decide whether I'm the right coach for this club. That's not up to me.

"The team must play according to the ideas of the coach. I am convinced that is the only solution for the club.

"I didn't come here to change German football culture any more than that of Bayern. But when I speak to my players on a daily basis I can't talk about ideas in which I don't believe."

This is his way, his understanding of the game as it should be played and his mantra which he will stick with no matter what; there is no way on earth that the highly-decorated coach will alter his plans now to curry favour with the media or his employers. Guardiola has unwavering belief in his methods and 14 trophies over the course of four enthralling years in charge down in Catalonia says he's correct to stay with what works for him.

Of course, it was acutely disappointing for Bayern to lose out so embarrassingly to Real Madrid during that 0-4 drubbing at home in the semi-final second leg, but they absolutely have to hang on to their Spaniard and give him all the backing they can muster. It's my firm opinion that Guardiola's philosophy will pay off in the medium and long-term should the Bavarian decision-makers show their support for him throughout the remainder of his contract.

It would be a huge mistake to cut the cord at this point when Pep's project is still in its infancy and the Bundesliga shield is surely just the first of many trophies that will wind their way into an already full-to-bursting trophy cabinet in the near future.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Premier League: Manager of the Year candidates

By David Lee Wheatley

This Premier League campaign has proved to be one of the most exciting in living memory and several managers have each done a wonderful job at their respective clubs. Here are six men who I believe are the most outstanding candidates for the LMA Manager of the Year award:

Brendan Rodgers (Liverpool)

The Northern Irishman has fulfilled the huge potential most observers believed he had within to lead Liverpool on an unexpected title charge this season. However, it appears the Premier League trophy is Manchester City's following the Reds' recent slips at home to Chelsea and away at Crystal Palace, but that doesn't cloud over the wonderful job Rodgers has done at Anfield in guaranteeing the club Champions' League football next term. A top-three finish beckons for a young manager widely regarded as one of the finest in the game and don't bet against another championship challenge during 2014/15.

Roberto Martinez (Everton)

FA Cup winner Martinez left Wigan Athletic following relegation to the Championship, but his exploits in the game's most prestigious domestic knockout competition had many bigger clubs circling for his services. Having lost David Moyes after eleven years at the helm, Everton chairman Bill Kenwright sought to deliver a bright, youthful manager who could harness an attractive style of play while getting results. Therefore, he turned to the Spaniard and he certainly hasn't disappointed; blending both the physical attributes of the Toffees' defensive line with a free-flowing passing game which helped the Merseysiders to fifth spot. Though just missing out on Champions' League qualification, this campaign has illustrated the promise within the Goodison squad under the tutelage of the affable 40-year-old and also dispelled early doubts among the supporters over his credentials to undertake the task in hand.

Mauricio Pochettino (Southampton)

Another season of progress has been enjoyed at St. Mary's under another bright star in the coaching world Mauricio Pochettino, leading to much speculation over his future on the south coast. Eighth-place in the league represents a fine return, while the emergence and steady improvement of the young stars under Pochettino's care has proved his ability to bring the best out of his players. The likes of Lallana, Shaw and Rodriguez have shone throughout the year, with all three pushing incredibly hard for World Cup squad places alongside elder statesman Rickie Lambert. It seems the only way is up should the Saints manage to keep hold of their highly-rated Argentine tactician.

Steve Bruce (Hull City)

Bruce recovered from a rather bruising period in charge of Sunderland to lead Hull City back to the top-flight, before finding mid-table security this term. Moreover, the ex-Manchester United defender has overseen a fine FA Cup run all the way to a final meeting with Arsenal later this month at Wembley. The Northumberland native also guaranteed Europa League football at the KC Stadium through that extraordinary journey to the final, as the Gunners already have Champions' League action to look forward to. Should 50-year-old Bruce leads his side to Cup glory, this campaign will undoubtedly go down as the greatest in the Tigers' entire history.

Gustavo Poyet (Sunderland)

Uruguayan Poyet took over a team languishing at the bottom of the table with one point and seemingly doomed to relegation, but he injected a new lease of life into the squad in taking them all the way to the Capital One Cup final in March and giving a measure of hope to long-suffering fans that there was still a chance of Premier League safety. His side showed decent form following his arrival in October until a lull set in following Wembley defeat at the beginning of March. However, despite odds heavily stacked against them, the Black Cats rescued their season with four wins on the trot to seal security in the top division with one match still to play. In doing so, they became only the second team in the Premier League era to stay up despite sitting bottom of the pile at Christmas. Poyet requested a miracle when his side lay seven points adrift with six games remaining and that is exactly what he got, due in no small part to his sterling efforts.

Tony Pulis (Crystal Palace)

Experienced campaigner Tony Pulis had a similar scenario to Poyet when taking on a mammoth challenge to keep a struggling Crystal Palace in the promised land of the Premier League with only four points on the board when he walked through the door. Assessing the squad in detail and making judgements based on the personnel at his disposal, the Welshman tailored his tactics to suit the players he inherited and the tireless work he's put in has reaped great rewards. The south Londoners shot up the standings thanks to a much more organised approach and are sitting pretty in 11th-place thanks to an unbelievable set of results culminating in a comfortable mid-table position. Pulis deserves huge credit for taking the so-called 'no-hopers' from the abyss of the bottom three to an ultimately fine season in the end.

Twitter: @davewh1980

Madrid masters to meet in Lisbon final

By David Lee Wheatley

Atletico Madrid swept Chelsea aside last night with an abundant display of power, pace and control which left Mourinho's men trailing in their wake.

It was yet another fabulous performance from the Spanish league leaders that confirmed their position as one of the leading teams in European football and further enhanced the growing reputation of Argentine head coach Diego Simeone.

The last occasion when these two sides met at Stamford Bridge resulted in the Blues easing past their rivals with an emphatic 4-0 victory during the 2009/10 group stages, but Chelsea faced a very different beast this time and they simply couldn't cope with the relentless pressure placed upon them in the second half of the match.

Fernando Torres, a former Atletico star and still an ardent fan, handed the lead to his current club after 36 minutes with a smart 15-yard finish - aided by a slight Miranda deflection - following a neat cross from the right by Azpilicueta. The Madrid native refused to celebrate out of respect, but his precious goal gave Chelsea something tangible to defend after a tedious 0-0 draw in the Spanish capital last week.

At that stage, the 2012 Champions of Europe were shading affairs with two-thirds of possession in their favour and appeared to be in the ascendancy. However, sloppy defending a minute prior to half-time completely altered the complexion of the tie when Adrian hit his close-range strike into the deck before it looped up into the roof of the net. It could've all been avoided had Eden Hazard switched on when tracking back, but his lack of focus allowed easy passage for wing-back Juanfran to send the ball across the box and with three other statuesque Chelsea defenders unable to clear, Adrian was left with a relatively straightforward finish.

John Terry came close to restoring the hosts advantage with a towering header eight minutes after the restart, but Chelsea employee Thibaut Courtois got down quickly to complete a crucial save for Atletico. It must have been a sickening blow for Mourinho knowing that a decision made last summer to leave the Belgian on loan in Spain for a third term on the trot has backfired so spectacularly, with the 21-year-old proving a key component of this wildly successful Atletico campaign.

Sub Samuel Eto'o made his way on to the field shortly afterwards and his opening contribution was to clumsily fell prolific forward Diego Costa in the penalty area. The same player jumped up to take the kick after a lengthy delay, during which the fearsome striker scuffed and scraped the penalty spot substantially with his studs due to the slight movement of the ball each time he placed it on the pitch, and then proceeded to vanquish any jitters he may have suffered to bury it into the top left-hand corner.

Chelsea were frustrated moments later when David Luiz's effort came back off the post with keeper Courtois beaten all ends up and they were made to rue that miss when conceding again at the other end.

Hazard was caught sleeping at the back once more on 72 minutes when Juanfran ghosted in at the far post unopposed before floating in a superb cross for the unmarked Arda Turan to attack. His splendid onrushing header cannoned off the crossbar, but a slice of luck saw the rebound fall kindly to the feet of Turan and he tucked it away smartly to seal the deal for the impressive visitors.

Simeone's team took total charge thereafter, with Chelsea chasing shadows for the most part. It showed great intelligence from a side brimming with confidence to protect and care for the ball in such a competent manner, as they now approach the zenith of their most remarkable season in decades.

A long 40-year wait for Atletico to reach a Champions' Cup final is over, while the upcoming clash also represents the very first same-city derby to take place in any European final. Meanwhile, they remain just two wins away from La Liga glory domestically above their celebrated Madrid neighbours.

History beckons for the Rojiblancos and their highly-rated leader Simeone, who has transformed the fortunes of a squad that were languishing within mid-table obscurity when he arrived in December 2011. They couldn't have believed such a remarkable renaissance was possible when he came on board initially, but the former defensive midfielder has far exceeded expectations thus leaving the club teetering on the brink of their most successful period ever.

Twitter: @davewh1980