According to RMC, before taking charge of the French national team, Zinedine Zidane began his coaching career with Real Madrid II, the club's reserve team. Working with the youth and first teams, he gradually proved his coaching abilities.

In Spain's third division, Zidane was something of an "anomaly." The 1998 Ballon d'Or winner was managing a semi-professional reserve team. Those who witnessed the start of his coaching career recall that he commanded attention like a rock star, with huge crowds attending every away match. This level of prominence even prompted Real Madrid to assign one or two security staff to accompany the reserve team coach on each away trip.

In 2014, eight years after retiring as a player, Zidane took over Real Madrid II. Dani Suárez, who played under Zidane that season, recalls: "It was his first experience as a coach, and he was just starting out."

Always with a "player's mentality."

Suárez said: "He still had a player's mentality and wanted to participate in training with us. During passing drills he was one of us. Even though he had long since retired, every time he touched the ball, the quality of the training immediately improved!"

The center-back remembers Zidane as a young coach who knew clearly "where he wanted to go" and was eager to gain as much experience as possible. Suárez stated: "He was very organized, had a strong work ethic, and was very forward-thinking. Before training he had us do injury prevention exercises; after training he would conduct individual sessions with us. That's common now, but when he first started coaching us, it wasn't widespread practice."

During his time at Real Madrid II, Zidane constantly prepared for the future. Working as Ancelotti's assistant, the Frenchman became increasingly important in the months before Real Madrid won their tenth Champions League title. Even with the reserve team, he sought to adapt to the nuances of top-level coaching. Previously, Real Madrid II coaches didn't make a habit of holding press conferences after every home match. However, Zidane wanted to practice this aspect to prepare for his future career.

Given the reserve team's results, Zidane sometimes managed to avoid some media criticism. Outside observers found it hard not to give the legend more leeway. Zidane quickly found his rhythm and gained the dressing room's approval. Suárez recalls: "He was very close with the players and helped us. He understood our needs, knew when he could speak with us and when it was better not to. It felt very comfortable. Training was fun too."

David Bettoni, who worked with Zidane at Real Madrid II, is now his assistant with the French national team. Suárez laughed: "Bettoni was a bit like the 'bad cop,' but not in a negative way. There should always be someone in the coaching staff who pushes you and demands more. Not necessarily criticizing you, but when things go wrong, someone needs to push a bit to get you to reach your limits. Zidane was more the manager, while Bettoni was the one who pushed us harder in training and in daily work."

During the 2014/15 season, Zidane worked hard to lead these young players forward. He invited Ronaldo Nazário to give lectures to the team, took players to yoga classes, and organized team-building events.

However, his time with the reserve team was brief. Midway through his second season, he was promoted to the first team. What followed were three consecutive Champions League titles—a perfect start.

"Zidane can turn the French national team into champions," said Guti.

Guti stated: "As a coach, I consider him one of the best. Everything he achieved at Real Madrid is already written in history."

Regarding Zidane's prospects as France coach, Guti said: "This role is difficult because the French national team is highly praised and has excellent players. But sometimes a team just can't find unity and doesn't win the titles it should. However, I think it's a very attractive project for him because he has a group of world-class players. Zidane can turn the French national team into champions."

In Madrid, one of the most intriguing aspects of Zidane's appointment as France coach is that he will have Real Madrid's best forward under his command. Guti continued: "Mbappé should be the core of this team. With so many top players, Zidane needs to maximize their potential."

Whether Zidane, who won everything with Cristiano Ronaldo, can also help Kylian Mbappé reach the same heights remains to be seen.

Переведено ИИ.

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