Zidane's Real will play with flair

MADRID (AP):

Zinedine Zidane promises to make up for his lack of coaching experience by inspiring Real Madrid to play with the same attacking flair he displayed during his playing career.

"Football with a personal touch, with attacking play, is what I'll aim for," the France great said at a news conference yesterday, a day after replacing the fired Rafa Benitez as Madrid coach.

"A coach is never really prepared, least of all one who hasn't coached before. But I am motivated, excited, and that is going to ensure that things go well. I always believe that it's important to play attractive, but balanced football, and I am going to work to get that on the pitch."

The 43-year-old Zidane, a three-time world player of the year and former Real Madrid star, coached Real Madrid's reserve team in Spain's third division for the past year and a half. He agreed to the promotion to coach the first team for the rest of this season, plus two more years.

Zidane's first game as coach will be on Saturday against Deportivo La Coruna in the Spanish league.