Zidane and Rafa Benítez: even stevens after four games

Zidane has reestablished a sense of joy in the Madrid dressing room. Modric, an exemplary worker and the personification of a team player, went as far to say: “I feel sorry for Benítez, but the change of manager has been good for us”. Even Zidane has levelled a few underhand digs at his predecessor: “Ronaldo needs to work a little more. The whole team need to work more on their fitness”. Happiness levels are overflowing at Valdebebas under the new manager, although the Frenchman’s points tally after his first four games in charge is no better than Benítez’s at the beginning of the season. With Zizou at the helm Los Blancos have racked up three wins and one draw while netting 17 goals and conceding two. Benítez’s reign also saw them collect three wins and a draw, albeit after scoring 15 goals and keeping four clean sheets. Even stevens on the results stakes it would seem – even though the Zidane era has started off with two more goals, the Spaniard’s boasted a more impenetrable defence.

Since taking over Zidane has enjoyed three resounding wins at the Bernabéu: 6-0 against Espanyol last night, 5-1 against Sporting (17 January) and 5-0 against Deportivo (9 January). The one blemish on his record was the 1-1 draw at the Benito Villamarín last week. Benítez began his stint in charge with two home victories -- 4-0 against Shakhtar (15 September) and 5-0 against Betis (29 August) -- and another on the road – at Cornellà against Espanyol (12 September). The ex-Liverpool boss was held to a scoreless draw at El Molinón (23 August).

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