David Beckham has said Real Madrid should give Zinedine Zidane time to succeed even if he fails to inspire them to victory in the Uefa Champions League final later.
Zidane fell just short of steering the club to the Primera Liga title, with Madrid finishing one point behind Barcelona, but can claim his first title since replacing Rafael Benitez earlier this year in the Champions League final against city rivals Atletico in Milan on May 28.
"Madrid needs stability and continuity," Beckham said in an interview with Spanish magazine Semanal XL.
“It would be good if Zizou (Zidane) continues for some time and that they maintain the players they have today.
“Even if they don’t win the Champions League, it would be good to let Zizou work.
“Stability is key, not just in every aspect of life but in business.”
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Former England captain Beckham played with Zidane at Madrid from 2003 until 2006 before the Frenchman retired from football.
“Besides being a great friend, he is the person that is most passionate about football and Real Madrid that I have met and the best player I’ve ever played with,” Beckham said.
Zidane was Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant in 2013 when Madrid won the Champions League and had been coaching the reserve team, Castilla, in the third division before being named the 11th manager in 12 years.
He was named Primera Liga Manager of the Month for April, picking up the award for the first time this season, following a six-game winning streak which helped the team get back into title contention.
Madrid trailed Barcelona by 10 points and closed that gap to just one heading into the final weekend of the season.
“I wasn’t born to coach but Zizou, yes,” Beckham said.
“Zizou, who won everything, was chosen the best player in the world several times and he experienced first hand many situations. There is no former player who garners more respect and admiration.
“It was only natural that he would end up coaching the team.
“At this time, they (Real) must be very happy with Zizou.
“His job in any case is very difficult because in the last five years, Madrid have had to face the best Barca in history.”
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