MADRID: Real Madrid have already decided to confirm Zinedine Zidane as coach next season.

The Frenchman has a contract at the Estadio Bernabeu until 2022 but reports from the Spanish capital say the coronavirus pandemic has prompted the LaLiga club to make an early decision on the managerial situation.

Madrid were two points behind leaders Barcelona after 27 games played when the Spanish league was suspended because of the outbreak of Covid-19.

While wrestling back the title from their great rivals remained a realistic prospect, Los Blancos faced an uphill challenge to secure European glory after losing 2-1 at home to Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League last 16.

Failure to win either of those competitions could have spelled the end for Zidane, who returned to the Spanish capital last March having won three successive Champions League titles during his first spell in charge.

Zidane’s squad is currently in quarantine after Real Madrid basketball player Trey Thompkins, who shares training facilities with the football team, tested positive for Covid-19.

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