Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno defends Zinedine Zidane

Former Real Madrid striker and director Emilio Butragueno has backed Zinedine Zidane to turn the club's fortunes around.

The Spanish champions were recently dumped out of the Copa del Rey to third tier side Alcoyano, who won 2-1 in extra time despite having a man sent off.

Real Madrid soon recovered from that shock defeat with a 4-1 win over Alaves, although Zidane was absent from the touchline after returning a positive coronavirus test.

Despite Los Blancos's inconsistent form this term, Butragueno still has faith in Zidane, telling Movistar : "Everyone knows what Zidane means to us. What we want is for him to return to us as soon as possible.

"We know what football is like. We have been around for many years. When the team doesn't win we have to listen to comments and rumours of all kinds. You have to be united and work."

Zidane's side currently find themselves second in the La Liga table - four points adrift of La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid who have two games in hand.

However, the Frenchman's future in the Spanish capital continues to be called into question, with his current Bernabeu deal set to expire in 2022.