Ex-Real Madrid coach Bettoni: Unfair comparing Xabi with Zidane

Ex-Real Madrid coach Bettoni: Unfair comparing Xabi with Zidane

Former Real Madrid assistant coach Davide Bettoni says it's unfair to compare Xabi Alonso with Zinedine Zidane.

Bettoni was Zidane's No2 at Real Madrid and insists Xabi needs time to establish himself in relation to the playing squad.

There has been speculation of tension between the coach and the dressing room.

But Bettoni insists, "Zidane never cracked the whip ; he got along very well with all the players. When someone was feeling down, he always said positive things, never negative ones.

"Zidane told us to enjoy every moment , that everything would pass. We have to give Xabi Alonso time; he's a different kind of coach than Zidane and Carlo (Ancelotti).

"What happened with Vini shouldn't be blown out of proportion. Xabi and Vini don't know each other, and everything can be resolved in the locker room."