#3 Squad rotation
Barring Alvaro Morata, it’s important to note that Zinedine Zidane has achieved his success with the same squad that was overseen by Rafa Benitez. Madrid’s former boss was famed for his rotation policies throughout his career, but Zidane has taken the art (for it is very much an art in modern football) to another level.
Much has been made about the quality of Real Madrid’s ‘B Team’ this season, with plenty in the Spanish media screaming for more game-time for the likes of Alvaro Morata, Isco and even James Rodriguez. Zidane has played it perfectly – offering enough game time for his squad players to remain hungry, yet satisfied. Morata and Isco have enjoyed hugely effective seasons, largely in part due to Zidane’s rotation.
Real Madrid are two games away from completing a historic league and European Cup double (the last time Madrid achieved the feat was in 1958). Isco credits it all to Zidane’s rotation, saying “He's [Ronaldo] come into the final part of the season like a plane but it's not just him, everyone's like a plane. Where we are is thanks to Zidane's work.”
