Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane does not want to be compared with former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola despite the similarities in their routes to the hot seats at Spain’s two biggest clubs.
Zidane, a former Real player, took over as coach on Monday following the dismissal of Rafa Benitez and, like Guardiola when he became manager at the Nou Camp in 2008, has no top-level experience in the job.
“Guardiola is a fantastic coach and what he is doing is very impressive,” Zidane told a news conference on Tuesday.
“Guardiola is Guardiola. I will do my best. I will not compare myself with anyone. I never did it as a player and I won’t do it now.”
Guardiola, a former Barca midfielder, enjoyed a trophy-laden four years as coach, winning 14 titles including the Champions League twice. He has been at Bayern Munich since 2013.
“You shouldn’t make comparisons with me and Guardiola,” Zidane said. “He has achieved incredible things.”
Benitez was sacked after seven months as coach with Real third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Atletico Madrid.
“I have clear targets and I’m going to do everything I can to reach those targets. Good football has always been important at this place and I am going to continue that,” Zidane said.