Madrid don't have the same financial clout they used to. They're taking massive loans just to pay player wages. And their stadium expansion plan has gone haywire.
Add to that, the political climate with Perez dominating, dictating the club, Real are one hot mess. Both Ron and Bale's reactions after the UCL final is just one of the indicators.
That's part of the reason why Zidane left. He would have to rebuild by selling and Real don't have the finances to go on and buy one galactico after another.
Lopetegui was in no way Real's first choice. He is the convenient choice. Accto Telegraph's Spanish football expert, Pochettino was but Real couldn't afford to buy his contract out.
Just chipping in btw.