What Zidane said at his Real Madrid conference
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Article summary
"I have to do this the Zidane way," new coach Zinédine Zidane said at his first Real Madrid press conference, asking to be judged on results "regardless of what I did here as a player".
Article top media content
Article body
Presented as Real Madrid's new coach yesterday following the departure of Rafael Benítez, Zinédine Zidane staged his first official press conference this afternoon, the 43-year-old setting out his stall for the rest of the season.
On his mission at Madrid
It's always been important to see good football here and I want to continue that. I want to play attacking, balanced football and nothing more. We're going to do all we can to play as well as possible.
Everyone is going to be important, so James [Rodríguez] and Isco – two formidable players – will be important for me and the fans.
We're in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League. We have always taken the competition seriously and we always will.
We have two trophies up for grabs and we'll try from now until the end to win them.
On the transition from great player to coach at Madrid
I am feeling positive. No coach is ever fully prepared, and much less a coach who has not coached before, but I'm ready for the challenge that awaits me and I will do everything to make sure it goes well.
The role of a coach is to get results – and it will be the same in my case, regardless of what I did here as a player. A new era has started and the important thing is to win games.
You shouldn't make comparisons with me and [Josep] Guardiola. He has achieved incredible things but I'm not going to make comparisons with myself and anyone – I never did that as a player and I won't do it as a coach.
On his management style
I've worked with [José] Mourinho and [Carlo] Ancelotti and had a lot of coaches as player, but you cannot copy another coach. I have to do this the Zidane way.
The important thing is to give the players confidence. There is a change in coach now, but you have to respect and recognise the work Benítez did. He did a good job and I want to wish him luck for the future.
A coach has to be close to his players – that is the most important thing, a good relationship with them all.
I understand [Gareth] Bale might be upset by Benítez leaving because he was an important coach for him, but he's going to have the same warm feeling from me. He's a phenomenal player. I'm going to give him all the support and love he needs to play well.
Its a new era for me. It will be a challenge, and a tough one, but it is one I'm looking forward to. I know I'm at the best team in the world – and that's not just something I am saying.
His message to Madrid fans
I'll give the fans the same message I gave to the players, which is one of hope. The fans know a lot about football and they have always got behind the team.
The team is in a good situation in the league, we have important games coming up and we can improve – and we'll need to if we are going to win them.
My style of football will be different. It will be positive, but with balance. What I want to do will be clear in the coming days and hopefully against Deportivo on Saturday.