Zidane handed Real hot seat

Madrid turns to former superstar to rekindle club's pursuit of glory

Zinedine Zidane's appointment as Real Madrid coach in place of Rafa Benitez has handed the club's former France great his chance to follow up a stellar career on the pitch with management success at the highest level.

Benitez, experienced but unpopular, was abruptly dismissed on Monday less than halfway through the season after an indifferent run of results left the club trailing leader Atletico Madrid and second-placed Barcelona in La Liga.