After the bad relationship that Zidane and Isco have staged this season, the least that could be expected was the ownership of Arroyo de la Miel against Atalanta. But Zidane gave in to Isco out of necessity. Not surprisingly, the Malaga started the last two Champions League finals of the three that the Frenchman won consecutively. Isco responded in Bergamo. As in those finals. He was one of the best of the team the time he was on the field and left details of authentic quality such as the pass between the lines that got Vinicius in the first half, with the outside of his right foot, and that the Brazilian wasted.
The man from Malaga had stoically endured the latest humiliations to which his coach has subjected him. It was first in the match against Levante, in which Militao was expelled. Having to come back, Zidane forgot about him (Isco didn't even come out to warm up) and put Arribas on the field earlier. The next episode of that definitive distancing was experienced in the match against Huesca. Isco dropped out in the last training session before traveling to Alto Aragón due to a puncture in his back. Madrid had the average square, only with Casemiro, Modric and Kroos …
The last friction between the two was in the match against Getafe. With Kroos suspended and Valverde still injured, Isco decided to forget about back pain to help the team in which there were only two skilled midfielders, Modric and Casemiro. Y Zidane surprised by changing the system to put Marvin before the Malaga player. Furthermore, Arribas entered before him. With that past so close, It seemed impossible that Zidane would give him the title in the most important game of the season so far, in Bergamo … but it was.
Recognition of Zidane.
“It has been a long time since he played so much and also in a position that is not his. He played a good game and we know what Isco can give us. It was important that he play today ”, Zidane said about Isco after the victory against Atalanta. “He is our player and he has done well, we know what he can give. He hasn't played much but when he does he gives it his all. He did a good job for an hour and more ”, He later conceded on whether he can change the role of the Malaga player from now on.
What has not changed one iota, as confirmed by AS of the player's environment, is his position regarding his future in the entity. Isco is still determined to leave Madrid. He would have liked to do it in the last winter market but no enough offer came in for him to do so. Madrid expects to collect around 30 million euros from its sale. Isco has a contract until 2022 and earns a net five million per season. Sevilla aims to be his destination if Lopetegui is still there next season. Who knows if his luck in Madrid may change if Zidane does not continue on the Madrid bench.