haaland football kit he cracks in Zinedine Zidane’s usually stoic demeanour in press conferences began to show last Saturday week.

“Don’t you guys worry,” he told reporters after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Liga rivals Villarreal. “Carry on with what you are doing and I will keep on working.”

The frustration was understandable. Zidane is the man that led Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles. He deserves time, and respect.

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However, the Madrid-based press pack are entitled to worry; the club’s fans even more so. Since snapping at concerned journalists on November 21, Madrid’s performances have only worsened.

They may have triumphed at Inter last week but that cheap replica football shirts game was gifted to them by the stupidity of Arturo Vidal, who earned himself a senseless first-half red card for dissent.