Years Later, Zidane Returns to Real Madrid as Coach

Club President, Florentino Perez appeared publicly to support Benitez after that defeat and strongly repeated that support during a radio interview on December 17th, but now, just over 2 weeks later Benitez has gone.

He warned that Zidane was a gamble and that he might not be given much time to prove himself, with former Real coach Jose Mourinho potentially available after his sacking by Chelsea last month.

Real Madrid is third in the Spanish league, four points behind leader Atletico Madrid and two behind Barcelona.

Results on the pitch only tell half the story, though, with persistent rumours that senior players at the Santiago Bernabeu were underwhelmed by Benitez’s cautious approach.

It means Bale, who will lead Welsh hopes at Euro 2016 this summer, is set for a new boss at club level though former national chief John Toshack believes it won’t be a problem for the world’s most expensive player.

Benitez is the 10th coach to be sacked by the controversial Perez in his stormy 13 years at the helm.

The 55-year-old Spaniard took over at the club following the dismissal of Carlo Ancelotti last year, on a 3-year contract. “A great professional and a magnificent person”.

The ceremony ended with photo sessions featuring Perez, Zidane, his wife and children, and members of the Board of Directors of Real Madrid.

The Frenchman, who is a three-time FIFA World Player of the Year, made 225 appearances for Los Blancos, winning one league title and the Champions League during his five-year stint as a “Galactico”. He has faced important challenges throughout his life, with dedication and talent. Zidane attended the briefing and thanked the club for giving him the opportunity.

Not to mention, since Zidane is in and Benitez is out, we certainly did not forget the dispute between Zidane and Barcelona’s current manager Luis Enrique back when they were playing for their respective teams. I think everything will turn out well. Tomorrow (today) is when the work starts. “Even more emotional than the day when I signed as a player”.

Zidane has been coach of the club’s B team – who are second in the Spanish third tier – since 2014.