Cristiano Ronaldo says Real Madrid players empathise more with Zidane

Real Madrid star forward Cristiano Ronaldo says he and his teammates are more empathetic with Zinadine Zidane at the helm than they were under former boss Rafa Benitez.

The French legend took over at the storied Spanish side after Benitez was let go at the start of the new year, and has added some much-needed vitality to Madrid's star-studded cast. In a rare bit of candour, Ronaldo spoke highly of Zidane following a 5-1 romp over Sporting Gijon.

"Zidane has given a push to the team," Ronaldo said. "Sincerely, with some coaches you have more feeling than with others. As with the players, with people. I did my work naturally with Benitez, seriously, thinking in the best for the club, regardless of who was in charge of the team."

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Benitez was heavily criticized by the Madrid faithful, perhaps unfairly, as the Spaniard did not necessarily lead the team down the table; Madrid was still winning games - sometimes by huge margins - and while Barcelona and Atletico Madrid held the top two spots in the table, Real Madrid was still competitive.

For Ronaldo, the difference between Benitez and Zidane comes down to club respect; Zidane is an icon of the team, once a Galactico himself, and was embraced fully and happily by the Madridistas in the stands.

"I never had a bad opinion about Rafa, he always did the best for Madrid," Ronaldo said. "He sees football in a different way to Zizou. Don't ask me why, but the players have more empathy with Zizou. Don't ask me why."

While Ronaldo acknowledged some of the discomfort his team had with Benitez, he also refuted any pattern of thinking in regards to deliberately sabotaging or undermining Benitez in order to get him fired.

"Players don't do that kind of thing," Ronaldo explained. "At least I don't, independent of the empathy, you have to be serious in your job. The players are more enthused now with Zizou."

For Ronaldo, that enthusiasm makes Zidane somewhat similar to another favored manager at Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti.

"His training sessions are similar. He is a calm person, but serious at his job and off the pitch he is fun," Ronaldo said. "He has a connection with the players and I am very happy. It is an interesting time for me and the players. We are in good form and working hard."