Real Madrid hold open training session as new coach Zinedine Zidane takes charge for the first time

Jan 08, 2016 Zinedine Zidane recently made his debut as Real Madrid’s coach on the training pitch, amidst excitement from fans attending the club’s open training session.

Zidane’s appointment as Real Madrid coach came on the heels of Rafa Benitez’s exit from the Bernabeu.

The 43 year old former French international is a fan hero, which is in sharp contrast to his predecessor’s. However, being his first top flight managerial responsibility, it remains to be seen whether the decision hand over the reins to the relatively inexperienced Zidane will pay off.

Zidane, who was 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship winner with France, is regarded as one of the most skillful and stylish midfielders to play the game.

However his stellar career ended in ignominy in the 2006 World Cup final when he was sent off for butting Italy defender Marco Materazzi in the chest.