Zinedine Zidane admits anxiety over coaching career

Former World Cup winner Zinedine Zidane has admitted that he took time to warm to the idea of launching a coaching career.

Zidane accepted a role on new Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti's coaching staff last month, with the Frenchman's remit also including an advisory role over player transfers and contract negotiations.

The 41-year-old has conceded that he was reluctant to seek counsel over training to become a coach, but now feels confident of his ability to manage in the future.

He told L'Equipe: "I was afraid, scared of trusting people and then being let down. With time, I have gained more self-confidence, and am more open with people.

"Having been a good player is no guarantee that you'll then be a good manager. It can help, but nothing more."

Zidane will officially begin his partnership with Ancelotti on Monday, when the bulk of Madrid's first-team squad return for pre-season training.