Gareth Bale denies Benitez upset as Luka Modric insists Real Madrid change was necessary

Real Madrid pair Luka Modric and Gareth Bale believe Saturday's 5-0 drubbing of Deportivo La Coruna in La Liga in Zinedine Zidane's debut as coach shows the former Real and France great is the right man for the job.

Modric, a Croatia international, said he was sorry for Rafa Benitez, sacked and replaced by Zidane last week after less than half a season in charge, but that somebody had needed to pay the price for an indifferent run of results.

Bale netted a hat-trick and Karim Benzema scored twice at a festive Bernabeu, united in hailing their hero Zidane, as third-placed Real closed to within a point of Atletico Madrid, who play at Celta Vigo later on Sunday.

Spanish and European champions Barcelona, who have a game in hand, are a point ahead of Atletico after they thrashed Granada 4-0 at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

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"I am sorry for Rafa and I would like to thank him for his work, but being honest and seeing today's game I think that the change has been positive," Modric told reporters.

"When you lose there is always someone who has to pay," he added.

"You just have to compare this match with the previous ones. The team's attitude was different and hopefully we can continue in the same way."

One of the reasons Real president Florentino Perez decided to discard Benitez and promote Zidane from B team coach was the apparent breakdown in the old coach's relationship with dressing-room heavyweights such as Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodriguez.

The change in the dynamic with Zidane at the helm was palpable on Saturday, with the players looking more determined and committed and working hard for each other in attack and defence.

"We played a lot more rapidly and we functioned as a team in the way was always should function," Modric said.

"Today we were a team from the start, up front, at the back and in the middle.

"What we did against Deportivo was to pressure higher up the pitch and win back a lot of balls and when we had possession we were very dangerous."

Bale echoed his former Spurs teammate's comments.

“I'm very happy that we got the three points and it was a very important victory,” the Wales international said. “We had a good game. Now we must continue working hard and winning games.

“Everyone knows Zidane was a great player and I'm sure he'll also be a great coach, but we're all professionals and we work hard to try to win every match and every trophy.

“We must continue in this way, as we did before. Nothing has changed and [Saturday] was no different."

Real Madrid's new French coach Zinedine Zidane gestures during the Spanish league football match Real Madrid CF vs RC Deportivo La Coruna

Image credit: AFP

In the wake of Benitez's sacking there was speculation that Bale was left deeply upset by the decision, and was considering his future at the club as a result. He denied that was the case.

“These things happen [regarding Rafa Benitez's dismissal]. We must move forward," he added.

“It wasn't my decision and I don't have an opinion.”

Real's next outing is a La Liga game at home to Sporting Gijon next weekend.

They play the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at AS Roma on Feb. 17.

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