Thibaut Courtois’ future uncertain after Zidane’s return

Real Madrid made the surprise decision to bring back Zidane for his second stint as manager – just 10 months after he resigned.

The writing was on the wall for Santiago Solari, who oversaw Los Blancos crash out of every competition within a week.

A loss to Barcelona knocked them out of the Copa del Rey, another El Clasico defeat ended any hope of a La Liga title and Ajax thrashed them 4-1 to end their Champions League hopes.

To make matters worse, all these results came in front of their own fans at the Bernabeu – and despite a victory over Rayo Valladolid, the decision had already been made to sack the Argentinean.

Zidane’s return comes with a number of conditions, with a huge summer spending spree set to occur in Madrid – with Eden Hazard, Christian Eriksen and N’Golo Kante on his shopping list.

It also places some current stars in a bit of a predicament, with Gareth Bale now looking increasingly likely to leave in the summer.

Another player to see his future thrown in doubt is keeper Courtois – who only arrived last summer.

Zidane was never keen on the Belgian’s arrival, vetoing against the move in favour of Keylor Navas.

And the Independent report that Courtois’ future at the club has been thrown into serious doubt, with Navas set to reclaim the No.1 spot.

The ex-Chelsea stopper’s father Thierry has been critical of the Spanish and Belgian media, who he feels are bullying his son.

“I feel that everyone is targeting Thibaut,” he said.

“The Spanish press, and also the Flemish. As a father, I can not ignore that.

“A goalkeeper is always the first target, it is part of the job. For right or wrong, I let you judge that.

“But after the match against Ajax, he was targeted because of the fourth goal after he’d played well. This single mistake has taken on huge proportions.

“There are also personal things that come out in the press. I see the intentions of journalists to my son. I’m struggling with that, but luckily Thibaut is above that.

“He knows what to do and is aware of his qualities and he will not doubt himself.”

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