Real Madrid chief Perez confirms Zidane will remain as coach

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed that Zinedine Zidane will remain as chief coach at the football club following Saturday's triumph in the final of the UEFA Champions League.

Zidane was promoted from the B-team following the sacking of Rafael Benitez at the start of January and signed a three year contract; however, there had been speculation that failure to win the Champions League could see the Frenchman replaced by a more experienced coach, such as Sevilla boss Unai Emery, reports Xinhua.

During the celebrations to mark Madrid's 11th European Cup on Sunday night Perez confirmed he was delighted with Zidane.

"Zidane has been very important for me, for Madrid and for the club's history," said Perez.

"He changed things when he arrived in 2001 and he has won the Champions League as a player, as assistant coach and now as first team coach. He has got a contract until 2018 and he will carry on in his position," confirmed the club president.

Since replacing Benitez, Zidane has sat in the Madrid dugout for 27 games, winning 22, drawing three and suffering just two defeats. Meanwhile Real Madrid have scored 77 goals, while conceding just 22.

--IANS

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