Real Madrid named former player Zinedine Zidane as manager after sacking Rafa Benitez on Monday. He has been the manager for the Castilla, Real Madrid’s reserve team, since 2014.
After joining Real Madrid for a then world record fee from Juventus, Zidane spent 5 seasons with Real. He was part of the Galacticos era and helped the side to la Novena, their 9th UEFA Champions League title, one Intercontinental Cup, one European Super Cup, one La Liga title and two Spanish Super Cups. He also won individual honors taking home the 2003 FIFA World Player of the Year award, the 3rd time he won the award.
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He continues the tradition of former players taking over at the helm. Miguel Muñoz, Luis Molowny, Alfredo Di Stefano and Vicente Del Bosque were former players who found success on the sidelines.
Zidane joins a list of legendary Real Madrid players who have also been coach of the first team. Before the Frenchman, individuals such as Miguel Muñoz, Luis Molowny, Alfredo Di Stefano and Vicente Del Bosque further distinguished their contributions to the club from the Bernabéu dugout.
Zidane’s first game in charge will come against Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga on Saturday.
“First I want to thank the club, and you presi, for giving me a chance to coach this team,” Zidane said. “We have the best club in the world, best fans in the world. What we must do now is try and do the most possible so that this team wins something at the end of the season. I will do everything possible with all the players, and hope it will all come out well.
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