Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane has claimed that though he would have accepted the offer to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at the club, he wasna t disappointed with the boarda s decision to appoint Rafael Benitez.
Zidane served as Carlo Ancelottia s assistant in his first year at Real Madrid and was subsequently delegated with the responsibility to manage the Castilla side. Though he was reportedly linked with the top job at Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid eventually appointed Rafael Benitez after sacking Carlo Ancelotti following a disappointing campaign.
However the Frenchman has made it clear in an interview with France Football that he wouldna t have refused the offer to manage Real Madrida s first team. He also insisted that he respected the boarda s decision to appoint Rafael Benitez and that it was not meant for him to take over the reins of the first team just yet.
a Yes, I would have accepted the task of being Ancelotti’s successor. But no, I am not disappointed I was overlooked in favour of Benitez. It was felt by the board that now was not the time for me to take over. These things happen naturally, one should not force them.a
“It was not meant to be on this occasion. Madrid president Florentino Perez chose another coach, and that’s that.”
Speaking about his stint in charge of the Castilla side, Zinedine Zidane confided that it was a big responsibility as he was the person making all the a big decisionsa regarding the team.
a For the first time I was the person who was making the big decisions. Being a coach means being alone. One is judged on results and what one gives his players.”
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Zinedine Zidane is being groomed to take over the top job at Real Madrid and only time will tell as to when the Frenchman will get the opportunity to manage the first team at Santiago Bernabeu.