Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane has admitted that whoever replaces Zinedine Zidane as the next Merengue coach will find it very hard to match the Frenchman's sparkling record at the club.
Zidane took over at the Bernabeu in December 2015, and lifted an incredible three Champions League titles in just 30 months in charge.
In total the Blancos idol won nine major trophies during his short tenure, a record that places him in second behind the mythical Miguel Munoz as Madrid's most successful coach of all time.
Now, as the Liga side look to replace Zidane after his abrupt resignation, Varane recognises that his successor has a tough job on his hands.
"What kind of coach do Madrid need? I think you need a good coach!" the centre-back joked to reporters during Tuesday's press conference, as he prepares to dispute the World Cup with France.
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"A coach who is able to evolve in the context of Real Madrid with a lot of pressure. Zizou did something that will be difficult to do again. We won't ask to the new coach to win so many trophies in such a short time.
"I think there are very good coaches in Europe and we will see who will be chosen. It has to be someone with a character who can rise to the challenge."
One of the jobs Zidane has been tipped for in the future is at the head of the France national team, with even current coach Didier Deschamps affirming that he could see Zizou in his position.
Varane, however, preferred to deflect questions over a possible reunion, while acknowledging that his resignation came as a surprise to the Madrid squad.
"Were there signs [of his resignation]? Yes and no. The job is a tough one, it takes a lot out of you," he added.
"He told us at the last minute and we will see later if we meet again at [France training base] Clairefontaine. This isn't the time to talk about that.
"Those who are happy to speak out about him, like the coach or the president, are free to do so."
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