Zinedine Zidane the overwhelming fans’ favourite for Real Madrid job if Rafa Benitez goes

According to a survey by Spanish newspaper AS, the former Madrid player has emerged as the overwhelming choice to lead Los Blancos, at least until the end of this season.

Of the 17,643 users who participated in the survey, 72 per cent backed the Frenchman, whilst the second most voted for was current director of Madrid’s youth academy Victor Fernandez, with 15 per cent.

Fernandez has a wealth of experience, having been in charge at Deportivo la Coruna, Real Betis, Celta Vigo, Real Zaragoza, Porto and Tenerife, and some Madridistas believe he may help to bridge the alleged gap in relations between Benitez and the players.

Benitez, meanwhile, received just 13 per cent of votes, equating to 2,305 participants, with his cause not being helped by the recent 4-0 Clasico humiliation at the hands of Barcelona, the Copa del Rey elimination for fielding an ineligible player, and last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Villarreal.