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Zidane, Ancelotti and president Florentino Perez. Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP/Press Association Images
Reunited

Zidane announced as Ancelotti's assistant at Real Madrid

The former Galactico will join Paul Clement as one of the Italian’s coaches next season.

NEW REAL MADRID manager Carlo Ancelotti finally arrived to start his new role in the Spanish capital this afternoon – and confirmed Zinedine Zidane as one of two assistants.

The Italian, who was named as Jose Mourinho’s successor on Tuesday, had his official unveiling this afternoon and announced both former Galactico Zidane and Englishman Paul Clement, his right-hand man at PSG, as part of his backroom staff.

“Zidane will be on with bench with me,” said Ancelotti. “The only problem is that he can’t play.”

“I am very happy to be here. I would like to thank the president because he has worked hard to bring me here.”

Ancelotti faces the difficult task of raising a highly-talented Madrid squad from a disappointing campaign last season in which they failed to win a major trophy.

However, the 54-year-old is already well aware of the demands that will placed upon him in his first managerial job in Spain.

The most prestigious club in the world has to win. The history of this club is play offensively so we are going to go to attack to bring some happiness to the fans.

“I think this season will be a happy one for Real Madrid.”

Ancelotti arrives with a highly impressive CV that contains league title wins as a coach in Italy, England and France as well as a prestigious playing career.

However, it is two Champions League successes when in charge of AC Milan that particularly attracted the Spanish giants as winning a 10th European title remains their principal objective.

- © AFP, 2013

Ancelotti and Zidane during their Juventus days. Credit: Owen Humphreys/PA Archive/Press Association Images

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