ZINEDINE ZIDANE is the new head coach of Real Madrid with the club sacking Rafa Benitez after just half a season in charge.
 |
| Isco has sparked a three-way tug of war following Zidane replacing Benitez as Real Madrid boss |
Benitez replaced Carlo Ancelotti in June, signing a three-year contact with his home-town club, but he has lasted only 25 competitive games.
The 55-year-old found himself under increasing pressure due to some indifferent performances and damaging defeats, most notably the 4-0 home loss to Barcelona in November.
Ironically his final game in charge was Sunday's 2-2 draw at Valencia - managed by former Manchester United defender Gary Neville - a result which left Madrid in third spot in La Liga, four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid.
"I'm going to do everything I can to make the best for this club," said Zidane. "It's a very important day for me. What I can tell you is that I will give everything or this club.
"Ever since I arrived as a player I knew how great this club was. We have the best fans in the world and the best club in the world and I'll do everything to win.
“It’s the best club in the world with the best fan-base in the world. I want to do my very best to ensure that this club at the end of the season will have a trophy.
“I will be working hard with all the players and I think it will go well. I am looking forward to working with everybody tomorrow. Tomorrow is when the work starts.
“Thank you to everyone. It is an important day for me, it’s an emotional day, even more emotional than the day I signed as a player for the club.
The 10-time European champions are now looking for a 14th full-time coach in the last 13 years, with former player Zidane - who was in charge of the club's B side Castilla - taking over as interim boss.
In total, former Liverpool, Chelsea and Napoli boss Benitez won 16 of his 25 games in charge, drawing five and losing four.
In the last month Madrid looked to have eased some of the heat on Benitez with an 8-0 Champions League victory over Malmo and a 10-2 La Liga mauling of Rayo Vallecano - but the club have now decided enough is enough.
Real midfielder Isco, meanwhile, could spark a three-way January transfer battle as he looks to leave the Bernabeu.
 |
| Man City boss Manuel Pellegrini tried to sign Isco in 2013 |
Manchester City want to do a loan deal leading to a permanent move in the summer for the 23 year old, while Chelsea have also made an enquiry but only about a potential summer move.
However, Juventus have gone one step further in wanting to sign the midfielder after reportedly contacting Real and lodging a £26million bid.
The Spain midfielder has been left frustrated at being left on the bench after falling down the pecking order, though that could change following the sacking of Benitez.
City tried to sign Isco when he joined Real Madrid from Malaga in 2013 and Manuel Pellegrini, who managed him there, remains a big admirer.
Isco is pushing for a move in January because he fears for his place in the Euro 2016 squad if he is not playing regularly.
Post a Comment Blogger Facebook Disqus