Football news - New Real Madrid boss Santiago Solari plays down Zinedine Zidane comparisons

Real Madrid’s new head coach Santiago Solari believes likening him to Zinedine Zidane is a pointless exercise as he believes the Frenchman is “absolutely incomparable to anyone”.

Zidane helped Real to a glut of trophies as one of their ‘Galacticos’ during his playing heyday before coming through their coaching ranks and taking the reins, overseeing three successive Champions League wins.

Zidane stood down at the end of last season but replacement Julen Lopetegui lasted only four and a half months, with Solari installed on an interim basis before being announced as the permanent successor 10 days ago.

Solari played alongside Zidane at the capital club and, like the World Cup winner, also managed Real’s reserve side.

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Zinedine Zidane, right, oversaw three Champions League title wins in a row (Mike Egerton/PA)

Image credit: PA Sport

The Argentinian has made the best start of any manager in the Spanish giant’s history with four successive wins but he rejected out of hand any comparison to Zidane.

He said in quotes on the club’s official website: “Zidane is absolutely incomparable to anyone. He’s a legend at this club, he’s a legend as a footballer due to his level, he was an exquisite player.

“I had the opportunity and the luck to play in the same team, and to sweat and fight together.

Santigo Solari has his work cut out in trying to replicate Zidane's three Champions Leagues

Image credit: Getty Images

“I don’t have the statistics, but as a coach he’s probably the most successful one in the history of Real Madrid. I admire him as a human being and we don’t have to compare him with anyone.

“I’m very grateful and excited about this big and beautiful responsibility.

“For me nothing has changed in the 11 years that I’ve been at this institution. The important thing is the commitment to your work every day and that we’re working along the same line.”

The 42-year-old will hope to continue his 100 per cent record in charge of Real when they travel to face Eibar at midday on Saturday.

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