Zinedine Zidane replaces Rafa Benitez as Real Madrid manager

Frenchman Zinedine Zidane has been appointed as coach at Real Madrid FC, replacing Rafa Benitez. Former boss Benitez was dismissed on Monday less than halfway through the season after a poor run of results left the club trailing leaders Atletico Madrid and second-placed Barcelona in La Liga. Zidane has been coach of the club's B team, who are second in the Spanish third tier since 2014. It will be the French World Cup winner's first top-flight management role. His first game in charge will be Saturday's La Liga game at home to 7th placed Deportivo La Coruna.