MADRID: Zinedine Zidane has reportedly to continue as coach of newly-crowned Spanish champions Real Madrid next season after discussions with president Florentino Perez following the securing of a record-extending title.

Zidane’s future had been the subject of speculation even though he has a contract for a further two years.

Perez described Zidane as “a blessing for Real Madrid” in dispelling concerns among fans that the Frenchman would follow his abrupt exit in 2018 after Champions League success.

Madrid face Manchester City on August 7 in the second leg of their Champions League second round second leg. Madrid trail 2-1 from the first leg in the Estadio Bernabeu before the coronavirus lockdown.

** Unai Emery, sacked last December by Arsenal, is returning to Spanish football as coach of Villarreal.

##########