Zidane 'prepared' for Real Madrid exit

In January, Zinedine Zidane's reign at Real Madrid will hit the two-year mark. Out of 13 managers in the last 15 years, only Jose Mourinho surpassed that benchmark, from 2010 to 2013.

After clinching FIFA's Manager of the year award on Monday night, Zidane spoke about his future in the dugout of one of the top sides in Europe. "There are always ups and downs and so you need to know how to recover," he told FIFA.

"If you are on an up then you have to try and stay there but I am aware that one day it will end for me at Madrid and I am prepared for that," the Frenchman admitted.

He is aware that the mood at the Bernabeu could change once the silverware stops rolling in, while also explaining how he has managed to lead Real to seven trophies since taking over from Rafa Benitez. "I know that I am at a club that is used to winning trophies, the Champions League of course, but more so La Liga which I think is more difficult.

"My supposed ability to lead top players is based on my passion for football and my profession. It is important that the players believe in my message and what I put in practice," Zidane concluded. "If the players have faith in you then you can go a long way."