Barcelona boss Luis Enrique unsurprised by Real Madrid sacking Rafael Benitez

The two won six trophies in their time as team-mates and Carlos praised Madrid president Florentino Perez for his “intelligent” decision to appoint Zidane in place of the sacked Benitez.

Asked on his thoughts of Benitez’s sacking, Pellegrini joked: “At least I finished the year!”

“I want to communicate this as a coach, that the players enjoy themselves on the pitch, as they did for sure with Rafa Benitez”.

“I know I’m at the best team in the world – and that’s not just something I am saying”. Besides, they have exited Copa del Rey thanks to a team composition fiasco.

“[Former Madrid coach Carlo] Ancelotti always told me that the most important thing in football is to win games and ensure that the players are content”.

He was presented as the new coach on Monday to replace Rafael Benitez, reports Efe.

With immediate success like that, it is not hard to see why Zidane was quick to brush off any comparisons between him and Guardiola.

The Spaniard is one of the few players to have represented both Clasico teams after joining Barca from Real in 1996, and made 207 La Liga appearances for the Catalans before retiring in 2004.

Zidane was immediately installed as Benitez’s successor, and Roberto Carlos, who played alongside the France legend for several years at Madrid, believes his former team-mate will succeed at the Bernabeu.

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

Around 6,000 fans watched Zidane take first-team training on Tuesday and his first game as manager will be against Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

“We’re in the last 16 and the target is always to win. He has the respect of the players, management and supporters”.

Beckham said: “Does it get any better than this??”

City take on Everton in the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final at Goodison Park tomorrow, with Pellegrini not looking to add to his squad this month.

“I have motivation, hope and all that will help me and help everything to go well”.