Speculation has begun to swirl around the Real Madrid bench once again, but Fabrizio Romano has stepped in to draw a clear line between fact and fiction.
Amid growing scrutiny on Xabi Alonso and an increasingly tense atmosphere around the club, the journalist has assured that there are currently no talks between Real Madrid and Zinedine Zidane regarding a potential return.
The clarification comes at a sensitive moment for Los Blancos. Results have taken a worrying turn, with Real Madrid managing just two victories in their last eight matches across competitions.
That downturn has not only dented confidence inside the dressing room but has also placed Alonso firmly under the spotlight, with patience at board level reportedly wearing thin.
Alonso walking on thin ice
According to reports circulating in Spain, the club hierarchy has already drawn a line in the sand.
Should Real Madrid fail to win their next La Liga fixture, decisive action could follow.
That looming test comes away from home against Deportivo Alaves on Sunday night, a venue that has historically proven uncomfortable for visiting giants.
Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso’s role at Real Madrid is at risk. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
As such, a failure to secure all three points would very likely spell the end of Alonso’s short but turbulent spell in charge.
Zidane will not return
In moments like these, Zidane’s name almost inevitably resurfaces. The Frenchman has twice been called upon to steady the ship during turbulent periods and remains a trusted figure within the club’s power structure.
However, Romano has been emphatic in dismissing the latest rumours.
Despite the noise and external pressure, there has been no contact, no negotiations and no movement towards a Zidane comeback at this stage.
Real Madrid are, for now, standing by Alonso, even if the margin for error has all but disappeared.
Which means Sunday’s clash against Alaves now carries significance far beyond three points.
It could determine not only the direction of the title race, but also whether Alonso is given the chance to reverse the slide or becomes the latest casualty of Madrid’s unforgiving standards.