“Gareth was disappointed with the sacking of Rafa because he was an important coach for him, but I will treat him the same way Rafa did”, the new head coach explained. “But I am motivated, excited, and that is going to ensure that things go well”, he said.
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“We have the best club in the world, the best fans and what we have to do now, and what I will try my best to do, is ensure the team wins at the end of the season”, said the Frenchman.
“All the players will be important”, said Zidane.
Guardiola who has revealed he wants to manage in the Premier League, tuned down Real Madrid before they turned to club legend Zidane. “Good football, attractive football and I will continue with this; attacking but with balance”. “I always believe that it’s important to play attractive, but balanced football, and I am going to work to get that on the pitch”.
Zidane’s first game in charge will be Saturday’s La Liga game at home to seventh-placed Deportivo La Coruna, when he is assured of a huge ovation from the adoring supporters.
“Guardiola is a fantastic coach, and what he is doing is very impressive, I will not compare myself with anyone”.
Benitez’s final game in charge was Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Valencia, a result which left Madrid in third spot in the Primera Division table, four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid. “We are in the last 16 of the Champions League but the target is always to win it. That remains the target”.
Former Valencia, Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli boss Benitez was replaced by Zidane on Monday after a disappointing seven-month, 25-match spell as boss.
Spanish media said that Zidane has his work cut out because of his lack of experience. We have a good position in La Liga and many months and important games ahead.
Signed by the club in 2001 for a then-world record fee of €75 million ($81m), he scored one of the most memorable goals in football history as Real defeated Bayer Leverkusen in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final.
Real have been drawn to play AS Roma in Europe’s elite club competition, with the first leg in the Italian capital on February 17.
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All eyes will now be on whether Zidane has the temperament and tactical ability to gel Madrid s Galacticos into a trophy-winning unit.
