Madrid fans allow themselves to dream

Depressed by a disappointing 2015, smiles had returned to the faces of Real Madrid fans on Tuesday as they cheered their idol Zinedine Zidane during his first training session as coach.

On the eve of Epiphany, an important holiday in Spain where people dressed up as the three kings parade in the streets and children receive their long-awaited gifts, the atmosphere was easy-going and festive at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium at the club's training ground in Madrid.

Babies in their push-chairs, children, teenagers, young and not so young...

It is normal practice for Spanish clubs to open up their training sessions to the public at this time of year and thousands flocked to see the French footballing legend take training for the first time.

A decade after the end of his playing career at Madrid, Zidane was appointed coach on Monday evening, replacing the unpopular Rafael Benitez.

His appointment has brought back a strong dose of optimism at Madrid after a year-long slump that has seen them burn through two Champions League-winning coaches, see eternal rivals Barcelona win the treble and suffer from off-field scandals.

"Zidane rhymes with dreams," said Pablo Alonso, a 37-year-old supporter who came with his son, also called Pablo.

"Football is dreams, magic, and players like Zidane have that.
"I have high hopes. Maybe not for La Liga, but at least to qualify for the final of the Champions League," he added, promising to take his son to Milan if Madrid reach the final.

All of a sudden, the kingmaker himself appeared -- sporting a grey tracksuit and fluorescent boots, Zidane walked onto the pitch to warm applause.

Deeply concentrated, the Frenchman chatted with David Bettoni, who was his deputy when he coached Madrid's feeder team Castilla and now joins him on his new adventure.

He gave players instructions, applauded good moves and drew cries of "hurray" from supporters when he kicked the ball to start a training exercise.

- Challenges ahead -

"Zidane will need an iron fist," warned Loreto Coppel, a 25-year-old student in criminology who came to the training centre wearing a Real scarf.

With players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, James Rodriguez and Isco, Zidane is going to have to juggle strong egos and get the best from a team of superstars.

But she added that she wanted her idol to come back.

"He managed ok with Castilla but this is the first team, and that's big. He may have needed a little more practice (as coach)," said Coppel.

"But the team needed change and the arrival of Zidane will be very positive, he has huge passion."

And that passion was on evidence on the pitch on Tuesday, with Zidane continuously following the ball with his eyes under Madrid's winter sun.
Source: AFP