MADRID • Former Real Madrid star David Beckham believes the Spanish giants could not have made a better appointment after they announced Zinedine Zidane as their new manager.

"Does it get any better than this??" the former England captain, who played with Zidane at Real, wrote on Instagram.

"A man that has been the best at a game we all love, taking over a club that myself and many more people love... Someone with drive, passion and also doesn't accept failure on any level... THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB."

Former France team-mate Bixente Lizarazu hoped that his close friend would succeed.

"I am very happy for him because I know he is fully committed to this coaching career now," he told French RTL radio.

"Zizou coaching Real Madrid, it makes me think of Pep Guardiola... it's the same kind of start for Zizou and I wish he'll have the same success."

Former Real president Ramon Calderon struck a discordant note, however, warning that Zidane was a gamble and that he might not be given much time, with former Real coach Jose Mourinho potentially available after his sacking by Chelsea last month.

"If he is not successful then Jose Mourinho will be on the bench in June, I am sure," he told BBC radio. "He lacks experience as a coach. That is a problem."

REUTERS