Zidane Promises a Return to Madrid's Attacking Flare

Zinedine Zidane promises return to Real Madrid's attacking flare. 

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane says he wants to inspire his team to play with the same attacking flare he displayed as a player.

Zidane says "football with a personal touch, with attacking play, is what I'll aim for."

Zidane was speaking Tuesday at his first news conference, a day after replacing the fired Rafa Benitez.

Earlier, the club said more than 6,000 fans turned out to watch the former France great take charge during Madrid's traditional open-door first practice session of the year.

His first game will be on Saturday at home against Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league. Madrid trails leader Atletico Madrid by four points and is two points behind defending champion Barcelona, which has a game in hand. -- HAROLD HECKLE, Associated Press

Why Gareth Bale's Ahead of Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar and Rooney

Gareth Bale on top after hat-trick in Real v. Deportivo match. Credit: Reuters

Gareth Bale is head and shoulders above the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic this season – and that’s official.

While the Wales talisman is renowned for his pace and magic wand of a left foot, it’s his heading ability which has seen him climb above the rest.

Going into this weekend’s round of matches, the Real Madrid star is sitting on top the table of headed goals in Europe’s big five leagues.

Bale’s two headers which formed part of his hat-trick in Real’s 5-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna took his total to six in La Liga so far this campaign – leaving the rest of the continent’s big names trailing.

Barcelona duo Messi and Neymar (admittedly not renowned headers of the ball) have yet to net with their heads, with Manchester United’s Rooney also drawing a blank.

Zlatan has just the one headed goal to his credit for Paris St Germain, while Bale’s Real teammate Ronaldo has two, joined by the likes of Luis Suarez (Barcelona), Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich), Jamie Vardy (Leicester) and Edinson Cavani (PSG) on that number.

The 26-year-old Bale, who also scored two headers to help Wales into the Euro 2016 finals, faces his biggest challenge from the Premier League, with Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud having nodding in five and Romelu Lukaku, of Everton, with four. The Toffees’ striker is joined on the mark by Ligue 1 Angers’ Cheikh N’Doye, the Senegal striker reportedly a target for West Brom.

Those on three include Bale’s Real teammate Karim Benzema, Anthony Modeste (Cologne), Aduriz (Athletic Bilbao), Leonardo Pavoletti (Genoa) and Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann. [Source]

Real Madrid: Gareth Bale Disappointed at Rafa Benitez Departure, Says He'll Press On

Bale unhappy with Benitez departure but says he'll keep doing his best. Credit: Getty Images

It's clear that Gareth Bale was one of the few Real Madrid players who wanted Rafael Benitez to stay on as manager. Bale scored 3 in the club's 5-goal win over Deportivo de la Coruna, during Zinedine Zidane's managerial debut.

“I had a very good relationship with Rafa," Bale said. "Obviously, it was a big disappointment to see him go but things like this happen in football: you’re professional and you get on with it, and carry on." Bale went on to say, "I’m happy at the moment. Obviously, you can never predict what happens in the future but I’m enjoying my football at the moment, so I’ll keep going.”

Benitez's sacking came with a double sting for Bale since club owner Florentino Pérez promised that Zidane's position would be temporary.

Bale noted, however: “I don’t think there was too much difference, to be honest. We’ve been working hard of late and maybe we didn’t have a bit of luck before but I think we’re all working the same amount on the football pitch. We’re all giving 100% and the most important thing is we win games and win titles.” While still at the top of the Primera Division table, Real Madrid ranks third behind Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.