
MADRID – Former world football superstar Zinedine Zidane has reportedly passed his coaching licence exam and is free to serve next season as an assistant coach at Real Madrid under new boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Spanish sports paper Marca reported yesterday in its online edition that the 41-year-old Zidane passed the text by the French Football Federation in Paris.
Real president Florentino Perez wanted to hire Zidane as director of sports but the former great chose to become a coach.
It’s unclear what tasks the Frenchman will have in his new position.
Ancelotti, who coached Zidane while together at Juventus Turin, has brought along to Madrid his former assistant Paul Clement from Paris Saint Germain.
Meanwhile, champions Barcelona will host Real Madrid for the first time next season on 26 or 27 October, the Spanish league said when the 2013-14 fixtures were announced yesterday.
Tito Vilanova’s side face a new opponent in the dugout of their arch-rivals, Italian Carlo Ancelotti, and visit the Bernabeu for the second league ‘Clasico’ on 22 or 23 March.
Barca start the defence of their title at home to Levante on 17 or 18 August while Real Madrid host Real Betis. Atletico Madrid, who finished third last year, visit Sevilla.
The final round of matches is scheduled for 17 and 18 May when Barca host Atletico and Real are at home to Espanyol. – Sport24.



