Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has hailed the management style of current Los Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane.
The French legend took over from Rafa Benitez last season and guided the Spanish giants to their 11th Champions League trophy.
In this campaign Real Madrid are again in the Champions League semi-finals, and __have been drawn against city rivals Atletico.
They also currently sit three points clear of Barcelona, at the top of LaLiga, ahead of Sunday’s El Clasico.
Zidane’s previous managerial experience came with Real Madrid Castilla but, talking to Jim White on talkSPORT, Calderon has praised the way the iconic midfielder has adapted to his role.
“In my opinion what he’s done has been very wise,” he said.
“He came from a team with no experience, coming from the third tier in Spain, and he knew he lacked the experience.
“But he knew, also, that all the players respected him and admired him.
“He knows how to build a dressing room full of stars because he was one of them so he decided to be one more.
“Not bullying - he’s working with them as one more in the team. I think that’s a very good idea.”
Calderon also spoke about Welsh star Gareth Bale who has suffered with injuries this season.
The £85.3million 2013 signing has shone on occasion for Real and the ex-president hopes the winger stays for the rest of his career.
“I hope so. Unfortunately he’s having problems with an ankle but I think he is happy too,” he added.
“He’s had a very difficult time and he came with more money paid than Cristiano [Ronaldo].
“That was a handicap and he dealt with that very well. He’s proven to be a fantastic player.”