Real Madrid approached coach before sacking Benitez

Pep Guardiola was reportedly approached by Real Madrid before they sacked their manager, Rafael Benitez on Monday, January 4.

Benitez was sacked just after seven months in charge at the Bernabeu and has been replaced by Real Madrid icon, Zinedine Zidane.

According to respected Spanish football journalist Graham Hunter, Real Madrid contacted Guardiola some weeks ago over the possibilities of him replacing Benitez.

Guardiola who has revealed he wants to manage in the , tuned down Real Madrid before they turned to club legend Zidane.

Real President, Florentino Perez will be hoping that Zidane will be their own version of Guardiola.

The 43-year has only coached Madrid's second string side just like Guardiola had only coached Barcelona B for a single campaign before getting the top job.

What followed for the former Barcelona was a stunning era of success – three leagues, two Champions Leagues, two Copa del Reys and a total of 14 trophies in four years.