Rafael Benitez needs to win titles at Real Madrid: Zinedine Zidane

Madrid, June 10 (IANS) Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane backed the appointment of Rafael Benitez as the manager, adding that the only way to win hearts at the Spanish club is by winning titles.

Benitez signed a three-year contract to replace Italian Carlo Ancelotti and Zidane said the Spaniard knows what is expected of him at the trophy-oriented club.

"The club has selected Benitez and it's a good decision. You need to respect that decision. Benitez is a good choice, but what counts are results and titles," Zidane was quoted as saying by Spanish leading news daily Marca on Tuesday.

"He (Benitez) knows the place well. He knows the challenge he has ahead. Only winning titles is good enough," Zidane said. Benitez has won La Liga twice before as manager of rival club Valencia. Madrid has not finished at the summit of the Spanish league since 2012.

"It's been a good experience. It's a completely different job from working with the first team. We're looking to get promoted," he said. "I decided to stay because Real Madrid is an amazing place and I want to contribute something important to this club," the 42-year-old concluded.

Real Madrid last won the La Liga title under Jose Mourinho which was their only title in the last seven seasons. Benitez has taken the seat which was occupied by Carlo Ancelotti who was relieved from his job after a season without any major trophies.

It was Ancelotti who led the Los Blancos to the elusive ‘La Decima’ in the 2013-14 season but that was not enough to save his job. Benitez would be well aware of the expectations that the club will have from the former Napoli boss.