Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says Zinedine Zidane has everything required to become a top coach in the future, and even has the ability to take on the main job at the Bernabeu "today."
Ancelotti, 56, was sacked by Real Madrid at the end of last season but both he and Zidane have been linked with the manager's role at the Spanish club after Rafa Benitez's side lost 4-0 at home to Barcelona on Saturday.
Benitez was backed by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Monday, while Ancelotti says he could go back to the club one day but will not return to management until next season.
Zidane, 43, is currently manager of the club's reserve side Real Madrid Castilla and he has also played down speculation suggesting that he could be in line to take over from Benitez.
Ancelotti appointed Zidane as his assistant manager while at Real and the Italian believes it is only a matter of time before the former France international thrives in a top managerial role.
"Zidane has a fantastic CV as a player and he's in the process of getting good experience as a coach," Ancelotti told French radio station RMC.
"He has all the qualities to be a fantastic coach -- charisma, personality, experience.
"In the future he will perhaps be the manager of Real and another team.
"But I'm sure that he'll succeed as a manager.
"Does he have the ability to do it from today? I think so. I'm even certain of it."
Ancelotti helped Real Madrid become European champions for a 10th time in 2014 and he is thankful that Zidane was there to aid him during his first season in charge.
"When I arrived at the club he helped me a lot," Ancelotti said.
"He has a very good relationship with Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane. He knows the atmosphere of the club very well and it was very important for me to work with him for a year.
"I think he can really be a great coach in the future. He has a lot of charisma and personality, a fantastic career [behind him] and the players listen when Zidane speaks.
"He has a great relationship with them."