Some quick thoughts from yesterday's game.

Chelsea was always the better team, if Real had any chances of going through it was because of their history. What made the defeat painful was the way it happened. There was no desire, no second gear, no clear plan.

I understand Zidane wanting to start with Hazard since he was fit (just like Poch wanted to start Kane in a UCL final despite lacking match fitness) but his decisions to go for a 3-5-2 with Vini at RWB, broken press, no proper role for Casemiro were kinda disappointing.

But the worst part was how he didn't change anything until too late. I would still be cautious of criticizing Zidane too much because he was the only reason why I thought Madrid had any chance of advancing.

(I don't want to talk tactics because we all know what went wrong)

Personally, I am not sure if Zidane would want to continue with Madrid post this season. Especially, if we don't win LaLiga. He is unarguably a man of great pride and would step aside if the criticism gets too much (like he did last time) which I think is unfortunate.

If I am being honest, this Real Madrid squad (fatigued and hit with injuries) doesn't deserve to be in contention of any major trophy. We have failed to keep up with times and we haven't developed many youngsters (unless forced with injuries).

This is not an overreaction by any means either. We are not at par with the likes of City, Bayern, Liverpool etc when they are at their best. One of the main criticisms of Zidane has been his attitude towards developing youngsters (and rightly so in my opinion)

And if we do part ways, I would like to see a change in philosophy. Zidane has always had winning games as his top priority and enjoyed great success at it too. But at this stage, I think building a functional team should be a priority.

We may not have the funds to bring in another superstar but we should at least start the rebuilding process. It's been too long we have relied on the CKM midfield and Benzema's ruthlessness.

We need a system that can ease everyone's workload.

And finally, Eden Hazard. I am not going to talk much about his celebration with Chelsea players but I think he has shot himself in the foot with that. Arriving unfit, consistenly being injured (not his fault btw) and then celebrating right after your team gets knocked out.

I don't want to be too harsh on him but a player of his experience and reputation should've known better. He should be glad that Madrid fans are not allowed in the stadium or they would've made his life a living hell (which is kinda toxic, I agree).

Personally, I don't really care how we end this season. We don't deserve to win LaLiga with such a depleted squad but if we do, all credits to Zidane. His situation is the only reason why I am somewhat interested in our progress.

We have been a team in transition that is refusing to accept the fact that it needs a rebuild. Whether it's because of our focus on short term success or not having enough funds, we shouldn't be using players like Modric for 90 minutes week in week out.

He is still operating at a great level (as we have seen for most part of this season) but it is unfair to him and the club (let alone the players being benched/loaned.

Tbh, I don't know the point of this thread. Just wanted to get some things out of the way.

Also, I don't know who we should go for post-Zidane. I would just like someone who can build a team but I am not sure if Madrid fans would have the patience for that.

We should just accept the fact that we need to rebuild. And it will take some time. Maybe a lot.