We shall wrap this up now. At this point we usually do a summary of events, a bitesize breakdown of what has occurred, but on this occasion it should be quite simple...
Zinedine Zidane has stepped down as Real Madrid head coach, citing the need for ‘change’ at the club to continue their success. More details here.
It would be entertaining if one of the Real players tweeted ‘Good riddance, let’s get a manager in who knows what he’s doing.’ But for now, we’ll have to make do with this...
Any left field nominations that haven’t already been mentioned here? And would just like to head off at the pass any ‘banter’ suggestions: I’ve set a filter on my email to block any emails mentioning the names Allardyce (Allardici), Pardew or Curbishley. Email me here.
Some other names in the betting: Massimiliano Allegri, Joachim Löw, Diego Simeone (!), Laurent Blanc, Carlo Ancelotti...and then from that point it starts to get really silly.
So attention turns to who comes next, and inevitably there will be some nervous clubs in the Premier League. Well, nervous club. Mauricio Pochettino is the favourite with some bookies, while Antonio Conte is also in the running. The sentimental might think Arsene Wenger could do it, having been approached a few times before, while Mauricio Sarri is technically currently unemployed. Guti is also high up in the betting - he’s their under-19s coach - as is Santi Solari, who has Zidane’s old job as coach of Real Madrid Castilla.
Nobody saw this coming. If you believe him, not even Florentino Perez. But what a move it is: you sort of hope that Zidane now retires from coaching altogether, because what will top winning three Champions League titles in two-and-a-half seasons with Real Madrid, the club at which you were already a hero? Maybe picking up the shambolic pieces from France after their disappointing first round exit under Didier Deschamps at this summer’s World Cup, and winning in 2022? Actually, definitely that...but probably only that.
And that’s the press conference over. There’s a hearty round of applause from the assembled media, and Zidane disappears through the press room door. Well then.
Zidane has spoken to Sergio Ramos, who supports him, and has sent a message to the rest of the squad. He says he doesn’t have plans to coach next season. If anyone has earned a long lie down, it’s him.
He also mentions that he’s pretty tired, which tallies with this, as he said a few months ago: ““Being a coach is extremely tiring - more so at a club like Real Madrid, When I feel there is nothing more to give, I’ll walk away.”
Stop blubbing excessively, Madridistas, he could be back: “Of course, I could return, I’ll always be near to this club as it’s close to my heart. I think many won’t understand but I know it’s the right time. Time for a change. And for the players too.”
Zidane said he “doesn’t forget the hard times” as he reflects: as he’s won the Champions League in all three of his seasons in charge, there weren’t that many hard times, Zizou...
Floretino Perez is next to Zidane and has that look on his face of a man trying to stay calm but panicking under the surface. He said they didn’t see this coming and have no earthly idea who will replace him. Paraphrasing, obviously.
Zidane has resigned from his post as Real Madrid manager, having won three consecutive Champions League titles, and the 2016-17 Liga title, it was announced at a news conference at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium