Gerrard sad to see Benitez sacked at Madrid

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

Zidane’s first outing as Madrid boss comes at the Bernabeu on Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna. “I will do my very best so that at the end of the season this club will have a trophy”, Zidane vowed after the announcement of his hiring, as reported by the L.A. Times. But I knew from the beginning I was not to continue for the next year. I will not compare myself with anyone. “I haven’t had time to consider it. I’ve no bad memories of anyone I’ve played against”.

Zidane said at his official unveiling on Tuesday: “All the players will be important. We all go through a situation like this at some point in our career”.

Speaking about Bale, Zidane said: “Gareth was disappointed with the sacking of Rafa because he was an important coach for him but I will treat him the same way Rafa did”.

He added: “I’m sorry for Benitez, that he was not having the success that he expected, probably”. 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.

“To win is essential at this club”.

The team’s biggest failure this season was a stinging 4-0 home defeat by arch-rivals Barca in November although they did qualify for the Champions League last-16 as group winners.

Zidane believes he has a squad that is “focused, happy and switched on”.

“I feel kind of prepared”. “I’m going to put all my heart into Real Madrid”. “All that will help me”.

And captain Sergio Ramos failed to offer a strong sign of support for Benitez when given the chance after the 2-2 draw at Valencia on Sunday that proved to be his last game. But Zidane, who joined Madrid In 2001 for a then world record €75million, brushed those aside.