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

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.