Rafa Benitez shows his class with touching message to Real Madrid fans

Zinedine Zidane, who has been named as the new manager of Real Madrid, has admitted that it would be hard to lead his new team, but added it will be a stimulating challenge to do so.

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. “He has achieved incredible things”, the French legend said.

Zidane’s first game as manager will be against Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

“My first words have been important for all the players because we have trained in front of the fans”.

Former Real Madrid President Ramon Calderon has claimed that the timing of recently departed manager Rafa Benitez’s sacking was purely financial, as well as making some bold claims about his intended replacement.

Zidane played for Real Madrid from 2001 to 2006.

It will take more than heart for Zidane to arrest a year-long slump that has seen Madrid burn through two Champions League winning coaches, see eternal rivals Barcelona win the treble and become embarrassed in numerous off-field scandals.

However, Balague has revealed that he believes the La Liga giants are not going to let Bale leave the club despite heavy speculation of a return to the Premier League. It has to be offensive football, balanced, and nothing else.

“Guardiola is a fantastic coach and what he is doing is impressive but I won’t compare myself to him”.

The 43-year-old, regarded as one of the best European playmakers of the last 50 years, led France to victory in the 1998 World Cup and the European title in 2000.

“To win is essential at this club”.

“We’re in the last 16 and the target is always to win”.

“I’ve got good feelings, but a coach is never fully prepared, especially a coach who has never managed at this level before”, he said. “We are going to try to continue our style and I hope we can score goals”. “All that will help me”.

As for Welsh forward Gareth Bale, Zidane said “give Bale all the support so that he can keep playing well”.