Zinedine Zidane distances himself from replacing Rafa Benitez as Real Madrid manager

Benitez's real were thrashed 4-0 by Barcelona in Saturday's Clasico

Real Madrid Castilla manager Zinedine Zidane (Getty Images)

Zinedine Zidane has put a dampener on speculation that he will replace under-fire Rafa Benitez as Real Madrid manager.

Benitez's position is reportedly under threat after Real were defeated 4-0 by Barcelona in Saturday's Clasico, but Zidane says that he is happy with his current role as manager of Real's B team, Real Madrid Castilla.

"I am coach of Castilla and Benitez of the first team. Things are fine at the moment," said Zidane, who enjoyed a glorious playing career at Real between 2001-06.

"I am with Castilla and if I stay at the club it is the coach of Castilla. I am doing things little by little and I am in no rush. The important thing is to be happy day-to-day with what I am doing. Right now I'm at Castilla."

Zidane's Castilla missed out on promotion to Spain's second division last season, and Zidane is aiming to go one further this term. The highest league that Castilla can play in is Spain's second division, as they cannot play in the same league as Real's first team.

"Last year I finished up feeling that there was something missing. I am quite stubborn and, when I don't meet an objective, I feel I have to keep on with it," Zidane said.

"I have a long way to go, and anyway a manager is never really fully formed. What I am doing, as I did when I was a player, I am doing bit by bit. I am not in a hurry for anything. My current job is Castilla and I am going to continue with it."