Zinedine Zidane has spoken out on Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid departure, revealing a secret club rule.
Alonso parted ways with Real after just seven months in his role as head coach.
He left just a day after the club suffered a bruising defeat to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
Even though his departure is fresh, he has already been installed as a new favourite for a Premier League club.
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As for Real, they are eyeing a stunning move for ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, with a dream summer signing identified.
Zidane had been linked with the role, having enjoyed two previous stints as manager.
Given his legendary status at the club, he was asked about Alonso's exit and revealed a secret club rule in the process.
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He appeared to suggest the players hold the power and the squad must like the manager for the individual to succeed at Real.
His comments come after Alonso reportedly fell out with several senior players before he walked away from his position.
Speaking on Hamidou Msaidie's YouTube channel, Zidane said: "At Real Madrid, we were at the players' disposal. For me, that's what makes a team strong; you're there for the players. If you haven't understood that, you can't last in this profession.
"We're there to support them; you have to show them you're there for them," he added. "For the dressing room to accept what you want to implement, they have to like you. If the players don't agree with everything they're given - the training, all of that - something will always be missing. With us, I think they really enjoyed it on every level."
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Alonso reportedly accused players of behaving like they were in a 'nursery' in a rant that sparked his downfall.
Spanish outlet Marca claim players grew 'uncomfortable' with the level of tactic demands placed on them.
Reports in Spain also claimed Alonso fell out with Jude Bellingham but the England star hit out at the rumours, calling it a 'load of sh*t'.
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On his app, Bellingham said: "Until now, l've let far too many of these slide, always hoping the truth will come to light in its own time. But honestly... What a load of sh*t.
"Truly feel sorry for the people that hang onto the every word of these clowns and their 'sources'. Do not believe everything you read, every now and then these lot need to be held accountable for spreading this kind of damaging misinformation for clicks and added controversy."
Topics: Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, Zinedine Zidane, Football
Nasir Jabbar