Zinedine Zidane has hinted that he does not feel ready to replace Rafa Benitez as Real Madrid’s first-team coach - while the Spanish press claims Benitez will not be fired in any case.

The Frenchman, who is currently in charge of Los Blancos’ Castilla side, had been tipped in some quarters to succeed the 55-year-old after Saturday’s 4-0 home defeat to Barcelona in La Liga, with a report last week saying that he was already lined up to take over should Real lose the Clasico.

Real did lose the Clasico - and emphatically so - but Zidane has now spoken publicly and insists he still lacks what is needed to manage at the highest level.

“I’m the coach of Castilla. Benitez is [coach] of the first team and things are fine,” Zidane said after Castilla’s 0-0 draw with Barakaldo in Segunda B on Sunday.

“I’m here to coach Castilla. I ended last season with the feeling that something was missing. I’m stubborn as I didn’t meet my objectives [of promotion to La Segunda], but I must meet them."

He added: “I have a lot to learn, but a coach never knows too much. Like a player, I’m learning little by little and not rushing anything. I’m with Castilla and I’ll go on this way.”

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