Real Star Raphael Varane Reveals How Zinedine Zidane Has Turned Squad's Attitude Around

Raphael Varane has revealed that Zinedine Zidane's 'calming' nature has been the catalyst behind Real Madrid's vast improvement in the past 18 months.

The centre-back spoke to GQ magazine (via AS) about how the legendary Frenchman - who won Coach of the Year at FIFA's 'The Best' Awards ceremony on Monday - has turned Los Blancos into the dominant force in Spanish football once more.

Varane stated that Zidane's strengths are born from his zen-like focus at the helm of Real, but did admit that his compatriot did have a tendency to lose his temper if his first-team stars were not pulling their weight in matches.

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The 24-year-old said: “When he speaks, everyone listens, all of the players are keen to learn from him because if he was a winner as a player, and now as a coach, it must be for something. 

"He encourages me to take more risks. He maximizes the qualities I have. Does he ever lose it and shout at us? Yes, sometimes, but only when it's necessary. 

"But overall, for his character and way of being, he transmits calm, serenity with his understated strength”.

Zidane has masterminded two Champions League triumphs and last season's La Liga title success since he took over in January 2016, with seven trophies secured during his time in charge of the senior squad.

Those other successes have come in the shape of two UEFA Super Cups, a FIFA Club World Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.

Varane puts the club's recent success down to the harmonious nature that the 45-year-old has instilled within his superstar contingent, and claimed that every single Real player was determined to help each other out regardless of their status in the game.

He added: “The atmosphere among the players at Madrid is very, very good. There's a healthy competition for places in the side, we all help each other and we know that we only win anything it's because we are all as one, united. 

"We give everything to each other and if anyone needs a hand, we help out between us. The relationship between us is perfect.”