Zidane wishes Real Madrid squad luck ahead of Clasico encounter

The legendary playmaker, who represented Los Blancos in the heated Spanish rivalry, has emphasised the objective of victory, something coach Jose Mourinho appreciates

Zinedine Zidane took time to visit the Real Madrid squad at training on Saturday in order to spur them on to victory, as they prepare to do battle with Barcelona in the upcoming Clasico.

According to Marca, the retired former Los Blancos midfielder, who recently stepped down as Real Madrid's director of football, turned up to lend the defending Spanish champions some encouragement.

"Good luck to win. The team is playing well," he is quoted as saying.

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Talks had been rife of a rift between the director and coach Jose Mourinho, although the Portuguese tactician took the opportunity to showcase the signs of solidarity between the pair.

"Everything we saw today is appreciated," explained Mourinho. "He did not talk much, but his presence only brightens my day, and helps us gain confidence."

Real Madrid head into Sunday's encounter at Barcelona eight points behind Tito Vilanova's Primera Division pace-setters, but will be nevertheless buoyed by a convincing midweek victory against Ajax in the Champions League.