decision to fire Rafael Benitez, stating that his former coach
always makes the same mistakes.
The Spaniard was dismissed and replaced by Zinedine
Zidane on Monday, just eight months after being appointed
as Carlo Ancelotti's successor, as the side fell four points
behind league leaders Atletico Madrid.
Materazzi has endured a difficult relationship with Benitez
since their brief time together at Inter in 2010 and has
criticised him several times in the media.
And the ex-Italy international has hit out at the Spaniard
once more, stating that the 55-year-old's poor man-
management has cost him at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"I had already predicted Benitez's exit. I was only wrong by
a few days," Materazzi told La Gazzetta dello Sport .
"You can be the best in the world, but you don't go far if you
don't have a connection with the players. You cannot
succeed if you cannot bond with those who have stronger
personalities.
"They are the ones who have to help you out on the pitch.
Madrid are a difficult club and it is not enough to have the
president's backing.
"Benitez will never change. He always encounters the same
problems. Instead of creating a good relationship with
Cristiano Ronaldo, he tried to become close with Gareth
Bale.
"It's the same story all over again. On his first day at Inter,
he talked to Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Ivan
Cordoba, but completely ignored Cristian Chivu."
Zidane has spent this season coaching the club's Castilla
reserve team in Segunda B and Materazzi feels the
Frenchman's appointment was only logical.
"Madrid had to appoint Zidane or bring back Carlo Ancelotti.
There was no other way," he added.
"There is some logic behind the appointment of Zidane. He
has a strong personality and has already worked with
several players before.
"But it will not be a walk in the park for him. Even former
greats like him will be judged after just two or three games.
"I wish him all the best, though."
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