Rafael Benítez has left his position as Real Madrid coach seven months after his appointment, with Zinédine Zidane taking charge.
The 55-year-old’s departure was announced today along with the promotion of Zidane to his first head coaching role. The Frenchman, 43, previously worked as assistant to Benítez’s predecessor Carlo Ancelotti and, since 2014, had occupied the helm of reserve team Real Madrid Castilla.
“This is an important day for me,” said Zidane as he was unveiled alongside his family on Monday evening. “I’m more excited now than I was when I signed as a player. I am going to put my heart and soul into this job so that everything works out well.
“We have th…