Zinédine Zidane reflects on Gerrard transfer attempt and management style

Zinédine Zidane has reflected on a missed opportunity to play alongside Steven Gerrard at Real Madrid. During the summer of 2004, Zidane personally urged club president Florentino Pérez to recruit the Liverpool captain, stating, "I told him I wanted at all costs to play with him at Madrid in the midfield." Despite two attempts by the club to sign the English midfielder, Gerrard chose to remain loyal to Liverpool.

Beyond transfer history, former player Éric Carrière has commented on Zidane's demanding managerial style. Carrière noted that while Zidane is perceived as a supportive manager, he maintains high standards and does not allow a player's star status to exempt them from team requirements. Carrière cited the instance where Zidane sidelined Gareth Bale because the player "did not check the right boxes," illustrating that Zidane prioritizes competitive discipline over individual reputations.