But Zidane brushed those aside and said: “You can not do that comparison, Guardiola is Guardiola, and I will do my best”.
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In the wake of his appointment, Zidane promised to make up for his lack of coaching experience by inspiring Real Madrid to play with the same attacking flair he displayed during his playing career.
“What we have to do, and what I’m going to try to do, is make every possible effort to see this team win something this season”. The 43-year-old former playmaker kept dismissing the possibility of taking over Benitez, but always made it clear that his ultimate goal was to coach the main team.
Real Madrid’s new French coach Zinedine Zidane looks on during his first training session as coach of Real Madrid at the Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Valdebebas, on the outskirts of Madrid, on January 5, 2016.
It’s been claimed Ronaldo had a poor relationship with Benitez as he attempted to bring a team ethos to the squad, marginalising the star player. “I’ve seen a team that is focused, happy, switched on and we are all happy”.
“But with the quality in his CV, I’m sure big clubs around the world will be trying to get Rafa Benitez because he’s a wonderful manager”.
“Guardiola is Guardiola. I will do my best. There is a change in coach now, but you have to respect and recognise the work Benitez did”.
“I have good feelings, but a coach is never fully prepared, especially one who has not been at this level before, but I feel kind of prepared”.
“But he is going to receive the same affection from me”.
“I need to be a coach my way”. As a player, it could be said that he left nothing to be desired-except the yearning to watch him play once again. I have to be Zidane.
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“I don’t wish him to be flawless, however, because I am a fan of Barcelona… but I wish him all the best”.
