Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he is relishing the chance to have more input at Real Madrid this season, declaring that Carlo Ancelotti values his opinion on tactics.
Zidane was promoted to the role of assistant coach at the Bernabeu this summer, following the exit of Jose Mourinho during the close season.
The former France captain believes that working under Ancelotti is perfect preparation for a future in management, a career he sees as a realistic ambition.
He told L'Equipe: "With Mourinho, I wasn't on the pitch, and wasn't even involved in what happened on the pitch. I didn't have any meetings with him about the team, about tactics, about what he wanted to put in place.
"Now, on the other hand, I have a real role. I have to tell Carlo Ancelotti how I see things. I'm just going along my way, I'm learning. I'm in contact with people who are important in football. It's a good experience.
"With what I'm looking at doing in the future, being assistant to Carlo Ancelotti is perfect. It's good preparation for the rest of my career. I'm happy."
Ancelotti and Zidane have led Madrid to six wins from eight in La Liga this season, plus two consecutive victories in the Champions League.
Liam Power
