Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh says former Juventus team-mate Zinedine Zidane “will deliver the job of a professional”. Oliseh was speaking after Zidane’s new appointment as Real Madrid’s new coach.
The 43-year-old Frenchman was installed on Monday evening following the sacking of Rafael Benitez just seven months into a three-year contract.
Oliseh, who played alongside Zidane for years in Italy, spoke exclusively to SIGNAL on Tuesday from South Africa where he is currently presiding over preparations by Nigeria’s home-based players for next year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN).
According to Oliseh: “It’s a great day for football. I have no doubt that Zidane, an ex-professional will bring his best to bear on the job. I’ve known him as someone with great passion and drive for excellence.”
On his part, David Beckham has described Zinedine Zidane as “the best person for the job.”
Beckham, who played alongside Zidane for three years in the Spanish capital, took to his Instagram account to express his delight with the appointment.
He wrote: “Does it get any better than this?? A man that has been the best at a game we all love taking over a club that myself and many more people love.”
Zidane, who won La Liga and the Champions League during 225 appearances for the club, takes over with Real Madrid currently third in the Primera Division table, four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid.
“I want to thank the club and thank the president for giving me the opportunity to train this club,” Zidane said after his appointment. “It’s the best club in the world with the best fan-base in the world. I want to do my very best to ensure that this club at the end of the season will have a trophy.
“I will be working hard with all the players and I think it will go well. I am looking forward to working with everybody tomorrow. Tomorrow is when the work starts.
“Thank you to everyone. It is an important day for me, it’s an emotional day, and even more emotional than the day I signed as a player for the club. I will put all the heart I have into this job for the club. Thank you very much.”
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