Spanish football club, Real Madrid, have sacked coach Rafa Benitez after less than half a season in charge and promoted Zinedine Zidane from the B team to replace him as the head coach.
Madrid’s President Florentino Perez announced the dismissal of the experienced Benitez, who had a contract until June 2018, following a board meeting.
Zidane, who is also know as “Zizou” is the 11th coach Perez has installed during two terms in charge and it will be the former France captain’s first top-flight management job.
Zidane is one of the club’s youngest-ever coach and has been a player of the team as well. He played for five seasons, after joining from Juventus in August 2001, and helped them win their ninth European crown in the 2002 Champions League final.
He retired from international football after the 2006 World Cup, having been sent off in the final for headbutting Italy’s defender Marco Materazzi.
Zinedine Zidane, Coach, Real MadridFirstly I would like to thank the club and the president for giving me the chance to coach this team. I will put all the heart I have into the job for this club and try to make sure things work out well.
Real Madrid did not specify the length of Zidane’s contract.
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