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Zinedine Zidane tests positive for COVID-19
Zinedine Zidane EFE/ Jesus Diges/Sipa USA

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane tests positive for COVID-19

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is experiencing a week he'd likely prefer to forget. 

Zidane's Los Blancos suffered a shocking defeat to third-tier Alcoyano in Wednesday's Copa del Rey match, a result that led to supporters and analysts asking further questions about his ability to lead the squad through the remainder of the campaign. 

Real then confirmed via a brief Friday statement that Zidane tested positive for COVID-19. 

Per ESPN's Adriana Garcia, assistant coach David Bettoni told reporters that Zidane is "absolutely fine," but the club did not say if Zidane is asymptomatic. 

Zidane will miss Saturday's La Liga match at Alaves while isolating away from team activities. AS is reporting that he will select the team and tactics used at Alaves. His status beyond the weekend is unknown as of Friday afternoon. 

Earlier this month, Zidane had to temporarily isolate after he came in direct contact with a person who tested positive for the coronavirus. He ultimately tested negative, and it's assumed his positive result is not related to that contact. 

Following Wednesday's surprising loss, ESPN's Rodrigo Faez and Garcia reported that Zidane does not intend on resigning and that Real wish to keep him through the end of the season before holding talks in the summer. 

Real went trophy-less in both the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup but remain in the Champions League knockout stages. The Spanish giants are second in the La Liga table on 37 points, seven behind leaders Atletico Madrid. 

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