Success at Real Madrid, according to former manager Zinedine Zidane, is determined less by tactics and more by how well a coach connects with the players in the dressing room.
The French legend, who guided the Spanish giants through one of the most successful periods in their history, said a manager who fails to win the trust and support of the players has little chance of lasting long at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Speaking on Hamidou Msaidie’s YouTube channel, Zidane stressed that understanding the players and putting their needs first was central to his achievements at the club.
“At Real Madrid, we were at the players’ disposal,” Zidane said, via GOAL.
“For me, that’s what makes something strongyou’re there for the player. If you still don’t get it, you won’t be able to stay in this job.”
He explained that a coach must ensure the players confidence and feel supported if he wants their full commitment on and off the pitch.
“We’re here to help them; you need to let them know you’re here for them. For the dressing room to support what you want to do, they need to like us,” he added.
Zidane also pointed to former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso’s exit from the club, suggesting it stemmed from an inability to properly manage the dressing room.
According to him, Alonso struggled to win over the players and ended up fighting a battle that was almost impossible to win at a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
He noted that once players begin to question training methods or overall direction, problems are bound to arise.
“If the players don’t agree with everything you set up, like the training and all of that, something will always be missing,” Zidane said.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Zidane said his focus was on creating an environment where players felt confident, motivated and happy.
“With us, they really enjoyed themselves on all levels, I think. We gave the players a lot of confidence,” he said.
He explained that when players went through difficult periods, his coaching staff designed systems to help them regain both confidence and fitness.
“When a player is really motivated, enjoys training, and is excited to play in matches, you’ll definitely win all three Champions Leagues,” Zidane added.
Zidane managed Real Madrid in 263 matches across two spells, establishing himself as one of the most successful coaches in the club’s history.
During that period, he won the UEFA Champions League three consecutive times and lifted the Spanish league title twice, achievements that continue to define his legacy at the club.
His comments serve as a reminder that at Real Madrid, man-management can matter just as much as tactical brilliance.
