Despite a narrow victory over Las Palmas, Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane was anything but pleased. The last-minute goal from Casemiro may have secured all three points, but Zidane’s lack of celebration and stern post-match demeanor told a different story. For the Frenchman, it wasn’t the scoreline that mattered—it was the team’s attitude.

In the post-match press conference, Zidane’s frustration was palpable. His words painted a clear picture: “Our second-half performance was unacceptable,” he said. “We made too many mistakes. We need to play much better.” According to Spanish outlet Marca, Zidane was visibly “desperate,” highlighting the sheer number of errors his players made throughout the match. Real Madrid completed just 504 passes, with a possession rate of only 48% and a pass accuracy of 85%—just marginally better than their season-low against Barcelona.

Defensively, the numbers were also underwhelming. With only 51 successful tackles, Real Madrid ranked seventh-worst in the league for that round. Their overall running distance was also below that of their opponents. Mundo Deportivo echoed Zidane’s concerns, reporting that the team’s lackluster second-half performance left the coach infuriated.

Goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who delivered another standout performance, didn’t shy away from criticism either. “There’s a lot we need to improve. If we want to win titles, we can’t keep playing at this level,” he said in a candid post-match interview. Zidane’s growing concern, according to Mundo Deportivo, is that the squad appears overly focused on the Champions League, treating La Liga matches as an afterthought.

Marca further noted that attitude has been the biggest problem at Real Madrid this season. Zidane has tried to convince the dressing room that effort and focus are the only ways to salvage their campaign, but he’s failed to get the message across. With a La Liga title now out of reach and recent losses—such as the derby defeat—still fresh, media pressure has intensified. Zidane knows that only an outstanding finish to the season can save his position.

The issue isn’t just about tactics or rotations. Zidane feels let down by the very players he’s defended time and again. From the beginning of his tenure, he shielded his squad from criticism, taking the heat himself. But now, he sees a team lacking the fight, commitment, and unity needed to push through adversity.

There’s growing concern that Zidane could face the same fate as former manager Rafael Benítez—pushed out despite best intentions. If Real Madrid’s stars continue to underperform in the league, their Champions League hopes could also slip away. And with that, Zidane’s future at the helm may come to an abrupt end.

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