Who Was Madrid Coach Before Zidane?

By Alice Nichols

If you are a football fan, then you know that Real Madrid is one of the most successful clubs in the world. But do you know who was the coach of Real Madrid before Zinedine Zidane? Let’s find out.

The Coach Before Zidane

The coach before Zinedine Zidane was Rafael Benitez. He was appointed as the manager of Real Madrid on June 3, 2015, after Carlo Ancelotti was sacked. Benitez had an impressive resume as a coach, having managed top clubs like Liverpool, Chelsea, and Napoli.

The Tenure of Rafael Benitez

Benitez’s tenure as Real Madrid’s coach started on a positive note. In his first game in charge, he led the team to a 5-0 win over Real Betis. However, things didn’t go smoothly for him after that.

Benitez’s tactics were criticized by fans and some of his players. He was accused of being too defensive and not utilizing the team’s attacking talents. Despite this criticism, Benitez managed to lead Real Madrid to second place in La Liga at the halfway point of the season.

Benitez Gets Sacked

Unfortunately for Benitez, his time at Real Madrid was short-lived. He was sacked on January 4, 2016, after just seven months in charge. The decision to sack him came after a disappointing draw against Valencia and a loss against Villarreal.

The Legacy of Rafael Benitez

Although Rafael Benitez’s tenure at Real Madrid was short-lived and controversial, he did leave behind some positive legacies. He implemented a more defense-oriented strategy that helped improve the team’s overall performance defensively. Additionally, he gave opportunities to young players like Lucas Vazquez and Casemiro who are now key players for the club.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Rafael Benitez was the coach of Real Madrid before Zinedine Zidane. Despite his controversial tenure, he did leave behind some positive legacies that are still felt at the club today. It will be interesting to see who will take over from Zidane when he eventually leaves his post as the coach of Real Madrid.