Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has lavished praise on Zinedine Zidane for the Frenchman's impressive start to his managerial career at the Bernabeu.

Zidane was appointed head coach of the Spanish giants in January following the dismissal of Rafael Benitez and led Los Blancos to their 11th European Cup last season.

This term, Real Madrid currently sit six points clear at the top of La Liga as they chase their first league title since 2012, and Perez is confident that Zidane is the perfect coach to lead the capital outfit.

"He changed the history of this club as a player and it was such an easy option for us [to appoint him]," Perez told AFP. "He is someone who came here to offer a new and distinct future... It was obvious that he would do a great job.

"It has been a beautiful and eternal love story and that is why I am not surprised by the results he is getting and those that are still to come. Zidane last year changed our lives; as well as working very well from a professional point of view he has an authority with the players because he was a great player.

"He was one of the greatest ever - when he says things, when he speaks with the players, he has the recognition and the authority you have to have."

Zidane will take his Real Madrid team to Camp Nou this weekend for the first Clasico of the season.