Nadal sorry for Rafael Benitez but says new coach Zinedine Zidane is perfect for Real Madrid

Although he has a busy ATP season ahead of him, Rafael Nadal couldn't help but share his thoughts about the coaching changes for his favourite soccer squad, Real Madrid. Real Madrid sacked Rafa Benitez as coach earlier in the week and replaced him with former pro Zinedine Zidane. Nadal agrees that the change is necessary with the Spanish club.

“I'm sorry for Benitez, that he was not having the success that he expected, probably. And it's tough to start a new project and after a few months goes out, so I feel very sorry for him," Nadal told Sport360.com. “But if the feeling is needs a change, I think Zidane is the perfect position today [sic].”

Zidane will be Real Madrid’s fourth coach for the last three years. Despite his lack of experience in coaching at the top level, Zidane’s history with the Spanish club is something that worked for him and could have been a factor why he was hired for the top coaching position. Zidane played for Real Madrid from 2001 to 2006.

Nadal added that Zidane, whom the Spanish pro described as a “good and humble person,” deserves the top spot at Real Madrid. He also believes that the ex-footballer from France will help the Spanish club.

Zidane recently expressed his gratitude for his new position. "I want to thank the club and the president for the opportunity to coach this club. It's the best club in the world with the best fan base. I will do my very best so that at the end of the season this club will have a trophy,” Zidane vowed after the announcement of his hiring, as reported by the L.A. Times.

Meanwhile, Nadal is currently campaigning at the 2016 Qatar Open, winning his first round match-up against compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta in three sets, 6-7 (5) 6-3 6-1.