Gareth Bale Is Upset By The Departure Of Rafa Benitez- Zinedine Zidane

Real Madrid’s new manager Zinedine Zidane says he accepts that Gareth Bale was against the sacking of Rafa Benitez but reassured the Manchester United target that he remains a vital part of his plans.

Zidane was unveiled as the Spanish giant’s new manager after Benitez’s seven-month tenure was brought to an end on Monday said “I understand that Gareth could be annoyed by Rafa’s departure because he was a very important coach in his career, but he is going to receive the same affection from me. He is fundamental for the team and what he has been doing of late for us on the pitch is phenomenal. He will have all my support so that he continues to play well for us.’   Asked if he would persist with the BBC front-three of Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo, Zidane was emphatic: ‘Yes the very clear idea that we have is that we will play with the three strikers.’ He was far more vague when asked what midfielders Luka Modric and Mateo Kovacic's roles might be saying: "Let’s see. Modric is important like all the players. Let us see what happens and who plays".

Zidane said he would be drawing on his experiences of having worked with Ancelotti and also of his time under Jose Mourinho saying “I have worked with Mourinho and Ancelotti and I will take something from both of them because each one has taught me something important. But I have to be the coach that I want to be and they would advise me the same. I have to be Zidane”.