Zidane set for Real Madrid Champions League role

Former Real Madrid star Zinedine Zidane is set for a more hands-on role at the Spanish giants, especially during Champions League matches, the club’s director general Jorge Valdano said on Thursday.

“He will accompany us always during Champions League matches, and in some league matches,” Valdano told reporters when asked about what the former French international’s new role at the club alongside coach Jose Mourinho will be.

“He will not sit on the bench and will help Mourinho in his relationship with the first team; not in technical work, but bringing his experience by being close to the coach and the team.”

Earlier on Thursday, sport daily Marca reported that Zidane had met Real president Florentino Perez and Valdano to finalise his role and the paper speculated that he could be in the dugout for the Champions League match against AC Milan at the San Siro on Wednesday.

Zidane, 38, has been a special advisor to Perez since June 2009. He retired from football after his fifth season with Real in 2006 and the World Cup that year.

Earlier this month Mourinho said Zidane should be closer to the pitch.

“I would like to have him more with me and less with the president. I don’t think he wants to become a coach but I would still like to have him with me,” the Portuguese coach told French television channel TF1.