Zidane: I'm NOT ready to be Real Madrid's manager

The France international has been tipped to replace Rafa Benitez but has explained why he is not looking to succeed the Spaniard this season

Zinedine Zidane admits he is not ready to replace Rafa Benitez as Real Madrid’s new manager.

Calls for Benitez’s removal escalated on Saturday evening following Madrid’s crushing 4-0 defeat at home to Barcelona. Cristiano Ronaldo and his team-mates were booed after the full-time whistle, while supporters also waved white handkerchiefs following the loss.

Zidane is among the frontrunners tipped to succeed Benitez, who replaced Carlo Ancelotti in June, but the former France international insist he is happy to continue his progress with Madrid’s Castilla.

"I am coach of Castilla and Benitez of the first team. Things are fine at the moment," said Zidane.

"I am with Castilla and if I stay at the club it is the coach Castilla. Last year, at the end of the season, I had the feeling that I still lacked something to take over the first team.

"I am doing things little by little and I am in no rush. The important thing is to be happy day-to-day with what I am doing. Right now I'm at Castilla."

"I am coach of Castilla and Benitez of the first team. Things are fine at the moment," said Zidane.

"I am with Castilla and if I stay at the club it is the coach Castilla. Last year, at the end of the season, I had the feeling that I still lacked something to take over the first team.

"I am doing things little by little and I am in no rush. The important thing is to be happy day-to-day with what I am doing. Right now I'm at Castilla."