Zidane Debuts as Real Madrid Coach Halfway Through Season

Zidane has signalled his intention to retain the star attacking trident of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema up front and will have a fully-fit squad to choose from after captain Sergio Ramos returned to training on Thursday.

Fernandez says Zidane has always been “fascinated by watching other coaches” and seeing “Guardiola having success, it gives him that desire to make his team play attractive, winning football”.

Watch Zidane’s first game in charge of Real Madrid live on Sky Sports 1 HD on Saturday – coverage of the clash with Deportivo begins at 7.15pm.

“I can understand that he might feel aggrieved by Benitez’s departure but I will show him the same affection that he had from Rafa”, said Zidane.

However, Zidane – who has replaced Benitez on a two-and-a-half-year contract – said the forward is central to his plans for the team and would be given the freedom to enjoy himself on the pitch. I won’t tell him much. These players won’t be easy to sign, especially Bale, who is doing great this season, and is an important player for Real Madrid.

“I want the full support of the fans and I want to bring them joy”.

As Zinedine Zidane prepares for his first La Liga game in charge of Real Madrid we look back at his 10 most memorable goals in the competition. The B team started this season well and lie second in the table but have just one win since mid-November.

Zidane has no injury worries for the game, with the only unavailable player being Mateo Kovacic, who is suspended after being sent off in the weekend’s 2-2 draw at Valencia, and one of James Rodriguez or Isco expected to come into the starting XI. Speaking as recently as last month on Hazard, Zidane said: “I have no doubts he’ll be back”.

According to Jack Wilson of the Daily Star, the club wants these players to help them finish in the top four and make the Champions League. “Signings neither, I have a big squad and am satisfied with it”, he added.

“Still, the most important thing is for them to remember that the team comes first”.