Ronaldo Compares Benitez And Zidane

Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo says the players have a better relationship with new coach Zinedine Zidane than predecessor Rafael Benitez who was sacked last month.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring a goal for Real Madrid

 Speaking after Real Madrid’s 5 – 1 win over Sporting Gijon, Ronaldo said Zidane’s presence has lifted the atmosphere of the dressing room.

Benitez is not known to have a good personal relationship with his players as he prefers to keep them at arms length and Ronaldo suggested that might have affected his relationship with the big ego’s in Real Madrid.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter

Zinedine Zidane

He said: “Truthfully, with some coaches you have more empathy than others. The players feel more empathy for Zidane.

“I did my job naturally under Benitez. I was serious and did the best for the club, independent of the person who is in charge of the team.

“I have never had a bad opinion of Rafa. He always did the best for Madrid, but he sees football in a different way from Zizou.”

Fellow attacker Jese Rodriguez also suggested that Zidane has a better personal relationship with the players while also wishing Benitez the best for the future.

“Every manager is different, they have their own philosophy, sometimes it goes well and sometimes it doesn’t. It didn’t with Benítez and now the team is doing better.

“I don’t like to draw comparisons. Zidane is closer to the players, he knows the players better because he was one, he is a great manager and is going to show that with us.

“My relationship with Zizou has been good for the last two years, when he was assistant manager,” the 22 year old said.

The 5 – 1 win over Gijon was Zidane’s  second consecutive win as Real Madrid boss in La Liga after Deportivo La Coruna defeating 5 – 0 in his first match.