Zinedine Zidane will take over as manager of Real Madrid after the club sacked Rafael Benitez on Monday, according to Yahoo. Benitez took over as manager of Real Madrid in June 2015 in a transfer from Italian side Napoli, according to CBS Sports.
Zidane has his work cut out for him as he takes over a Real Madrid club that is currently sitting in third place in La Liga. However, the former French international remains confident he can turn the season around for Real Madrid, according to Yahoo.
"We have the best club in the world, the best fans and what we have to do now, and what I will try my best to do, is ensure the team wins at the end of the season," said Zidane.
The richest club in the world, according to Yahoo, Madrid supporters have high expectations, and after Jose Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea earlier this month, there is a possible replacement for Zidane if Real Madrid falters under his guidance, according to ESPN.
Zidane will be the 11th manager to serve under the current Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez. Perez had spent two stays with Real totaling 12 years, according to Yahoo.
A member of the Real Madrid coaching staff in 2013-2014, Zidane has since managed with the Real Madrid B team Castilla for the past two seasons according to CBS sports. Despite a limited coaching resume Zidane received high praise from former teammate David Beckham.
"Does it get any better than this?? A man that has been the best at a game we all love, taking over of a club that myself and many more people love... Someone with drive, passion and also doesn't accept failure on any level. Taking over from a manager that has huge experience and respect in the game, but taking on a position that he will relish ... THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB " Beckham said on his Instagram account Monday.
Real Madrid's first test under Zidane comes on Jan. 9th against Spanish club Deportivo at Real Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
