Real Madrid have appointed the club iconic Zinedine Zidane as their new manager following the sacking of the former Liverpool and Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez, who leaves the Spanish capital after spending seven months in charge at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Los Blancos have confirmed the legendary Zinedine Zidane will replace Benitez until the end of the season.
Zinedine Zidane: new coach of Real Madrid. READ: https://t.co/G53STYLVJu #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/eHOhA8BeDp
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) January 4, 2016
The Frenchman previously worked as Ancelotti’s assistant in 2014, guiding the club to both the Champions League and the Copa del Rey titles. He also enjoyed a stellar five-year spell as Madrid player between 2001 and 2006, lifting the Champions League in his debut season as well one La Liga title.
“The board has taken a difficult decision, especially for me, to sack Rafa Benítez, a great professional and a magnificent person,” club president Florentino Perez told a press conference.
Zidane said: “I thank the club and the president for giving me the opportunity to train the club. It’s the best club in the world and the best fanbase.
“I want to do my very best to ensure the club has a trophy at the end of the season. Tomorrow is when the work starts. It’s an emotional day, even more emotional than the day I signed for the club.”
Real Madrid are currently third in the table, with just four points behind the La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Former Real Madrid star David Beckham took to Instagram and backed Zidane, calling him “the best person for the job.”
A photo posted by David Beckham (@davidbeckham) on
