Zinedine Zidane reflects on Real Madrid managerial stint: “Bigger the club, bigger the egos” | OneFootball

In the zenith of his football mastery, Zinedine Zidane propelled Real Madrid to incredible heights, proving to be elegance personified.

After creating history as a player, he went on to shatter more records during his managerial stint in the Spanish capital, collecting innumerable accolades and most famously winning the Champions League three consecutive times.

Now, speaking on The SKWEEK Show, via Mundo Deportivo, Zidane touched upon several topics related to the world of football.

What it was like to coach Real Madrid

Having once been part of the dressing room as a player, Zidane was no stranger to what goes on behind closed doors after becoming a coach.

Acknowledging the fact that managing egos is part and parcel of the job at big clubs, he said:

“You know how it is: the bigger the club, the bigger the egos in the locker room. And you have to deal with it. I liked to do it too because you have a past and the guys respect it.

“And if you can have chemistry with them and if they like what you want to do because of your message, the better.”

Speaking on the style of football he preached, the World Cup winner accentuated training with the ball.

“I always liked the game. I always liked playing. I always trained them with a ball, they didn’t run around the field. Yes, it’s important to run, but with a ball,” he said.

Zidane enjoyed great success at Real Madrid. (Photo credit should read FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

“They like that. What I did as a coach is what I liked do when I was a player. I need a ball and for you and me to share something, to have fun.” he remarked.

Difference in coaching Castilla and first team

Prior to his stint with the first team, Zidane took up coaching at Real Madrid Castilla, where he served for two years until being appointed head coach of the senior squad in 2016.

Speaking on the differences he observed coaching the youth players and those from the first team, Zidane claimed the exchange of views was something he appreciated.

“I started training with Castilla, with the young players. And with the young players you are Zidane, they look at you like that. So when you talk, nobody says anything,” he said,

“They say ‘yes, yes, yes, yes’. We didn’t exchange views and it was hard for me because I need to exchange. Maybe they were impressed. When I took the reins of the first team, there was a real conversation. It’s not like I found out who I was, but I loved it.”