Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane says he was not ready to replace Carlo Ancelotti as manager and it never entered his mind.
The Frenchman, who worked as an assistant to the Italian in Ancelotti’s first year in charge of Los Blancos, took over as boss at Real Madrid Castilla last season. It was the next move in his managerial development that many believe will end up with him taking the reigns at the Santiago Bernabeu at some stage.
When Ancelotti was fired a few weeks ago for failing to win La Liga or the Champions League, many pundits though Zidane would be a major contender to step up and take over the first team role.
But Rafa Benitez was hired from Napoli, with his track record in Europe proving key as Los Blancos look to wrestle back the major trophies from Barcelona next season.
Speaking to RTL, Zidane admitted he would like to be Real Madrid manager one day, but now is too soon.
“Zidane, Real Madrid coach. It sounds nice. Taking over from Ancelotti, that was never a question. I wanted to continue with the Castilla because I am not quite ready.
“A coach is never truly ready. If we wait until all the lights are green, we will never get there. But I am calm, I will do things my own way, and it will take the time it takes,” he commented.
