David Bettoni reveals what changed in Zidane’s second tenure

David Bettoni, Real Madrid’s assistant manager, is often photographed side by side with Zinedine Zidane. The two are inseparable and constantly working to find solutions to any on-field problems. Zidane was quick to embrace Bettoni after the final whistle blew vs Villarreal on Thursday evening, officially crowning Los Blancos La Liga champions after a year of hard work. David Bettoni took some time out to speak with French outlet, L’Equipe, to discuss what changed during the coaching staff’s second tenure in charge:

“When we returned to the bench, we told ourselves that we should not do the same. Not only because Cristiano is not here, but because the players needed another message. Zidane’s style is brave, because he is not afraid to adapt,” Bettoni affirmed.

Questions quickly moved towards debunking the myth that Zidane is simply a manager of egos. Bettoni stressed that Zidane’s relationship with his players was extraordinary and something that comes natural to the Frenchman.

“He’s extraordinary with his relationships with his players. It is not a method, it simply how it is— he has a natural connection with the players. He respects, so he is respected. Sorry for those who are waiting for a specific Zidane recipe,” he laughed and then later continued. “Zidane is a passionate and adaptable man who works hard and who also has great control over his emotions. Some coaches lose their emotions and that is what Zizou never lost. He’s always focused on the match.”

Finally, Bettoni revealed that the coaching staff, despite most thinking the contrary, focused more on the mental side than the physical side when the players were in confinement for the coronavirus.

“The success of the post-confinement return was the result of a united and creative staff who were not afraid to shake things up to adapt to an unprecedented situation. The coaching staff joined the team in video conference calls as if we were one of them,” he concluded.