Something has broken between Odegaard and Zidane in recent weeks. Since the Norwegian started in the tough defeat against Shakhtar in the Champions League (December 1), he has not played a single minute. In three of the matches that have taken place since then (Mönchengladbach, Atlético and Athletic) he was out due to muscle discomfort, but in another four (Sevilla, Eibar, Granada and Elche) he saw the 90 minutes from the bench.
Odegaard was Zidane's personal bet for this season. The initial plan is for him to stay for another year on loan at Real Sociedad, where he gave such good performance. However, The French coach, in the absence of signings, decided that it was strategic to reinforce the midfield with the left-handed midfielder. He soon showed his confidence: starter in the first two league games (Real Sociedad and Betis) where he was substituted and left discreet performances. That was understood as part of the adaptation process.
Later an inopportune injury in the October national team break cut him off. What did not change was the bet of Zidane, who trusted him as a starter in three decisive matches: Villarreal, Inter and Shakhtar. In all three, the script from the days of Real and Betis was repeated: discreet games and substituted early (he has not completed 90 minutes in any of the five games in which he has started).
That painful defeat against Shakhtar (2-0) that put Madrid on the ropes in the Champions League changed the outlook for Odegaard, who was a substitute in Seville and did not step on the pitch again in the following games. “Nothing is happening,” said Zidane about him after the match against Elche, where he did not go out to warm up.
At the moment, Odegaard remains calm but there is a certain concern especially on the mental plane. The Norwegian found his best football in San Sebastián and at Madrid they don't want him to lose that self-confidence he showed there. Neither does Zidane, who will give him opportunities little by little. The Frenchman is aware that physical problems have weighed heavily on Odegaard in these first months. That is why now he does not want to burden him with responsibility until he is 100% and without any hassle …