Thousands watch Zidane’s training session as Madrid coach

The Frenchman, whose only previous coaching job was in charge of Castilla, the Real B team, gathered players around him. “I want everyone at the club from the board of directors, executives, workers and all of the fans to know it has been an honour and privilege to be in charge at this club where I grew up as a person, player and coach”.

“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”. I don’t know what club though. His real test as a head coach will come this weekend when Real Madrid plays against Deportivo at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid. He agreed to the promotion to coach the first team for the rest of this season, plus two more years.

A trophy-less campaign resulted in his dismissal, while Benitez was removed less than halfway through the season, despite Madrid being just four points back from leaders Atletico Madrid.

Zidane said he would continue to play Madrid’s three star forwards – Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema and Gareth Bale – although the coach said Bale was not happy with Benitez’s firing.

Zidane is not known for his communication skills and had a fiery temperament on the field as a player.

Zidane previously served as assistant to Madrid coaches Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. It remains to be seen if Hiddink would object to the switch, with just Diego Costa and Loic Remy as his other first-team strikers, but it would ensure Falcao’s reported £140,000-per-week wages could be wiped off the wage bill in the capital.

Spanish media said however that Zidane has his work cut out because of his lack of experience.

“Guardiola is Guardiola, and I am going to try and do it the best I can”, he said.

“Guardiola is a fantastic coach, and what he is doing is very impressive, I will not compare myself with anyone”. Zinedine Zidane, this is your stadium and this is your club.

Zidane was named manager on Monday when Benitez was sacked midway through his first season.

Rafael Benitez was sacked by Real Madrid after 18 Liga games and Manuel Pellegrini made light of the situation before offering his support. He scored two headed goals against Brazil in the final at the Stade de France. His career ended with an infamous headbutt on Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy.

“I understand that he may be annoyed with Benítez leaving because he was an important manager for him, but he will get the same care from me”, he said at his unveiling.