Zidane's future remains wrapped in mystery

After Real Madrid's LaLiga Santander campaign faltered and their Copa del Rey run was ended by Alcoyano, Zinedine Zidane asked for respect in the face of the criticism he was facing.

At the start of February, the Frenchman insisted that his side would be competing for trophies right until the end of the season. He's been proved right, there.

Real Madrid's upturn in form doesn't guarantee anything, though, as far as Zidane's future is concerned.

There is an unwritten mantra at Los Blancos which sees the coach get sacked should he fail to win at least one of the major trophies.

Zidane knows this and, although he still has another season left on his contract, he's taking nothing for granted beyond this summer.

There is still plenty to play for before then, too. Real Madrid have chances of winning both LaLiga Santander and the Champions League - something that Spain's other three big teams cannot say.

Aside from results, Zidane must also prove that he can integrate younger players into the team. The likes of Martin Odegaard and Luka Jovic have had to leave on loan during his tenure.

Zidane has been in charge of Real Madrid for five years over two spells but, in case he doesn't continue for a sixth year, the club are always looking at possible alternatives, logically.