Former Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro admits there were doubts inside the club about Zinedine Zidane when he first began his coaching career.

Zidane kicked off his move into coaching with Real's Castilla team before eventually being promoted after the sacking of Rafa Benitez.

Cannavaro, reflecting on Real's recent Champions League record, recalled to AS: "The Ancelotti Champions League was a surprise because nobody expected it.

"Zidane's work is impressive and this will never be seen again in the Champions League.

"People did not believe the Zidane of Castilla. They said that he could not train the first team.

"We all have to thank Zidane for handling Madrid's locker room like no one else until now. In the most difficult moments, he has always chosen well."