Ex-Real Madrid player, coach and sporting director Jorge Valdano says that current Blancos boss Zinedine Zidane has shown great skill in managing both the side's star players and the often fractious atmosphere around the club.
Zidane stepped up to his first senior managerial position in January, after Rafa Benitez's six months in charge had seen another outbreak of infighting at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, with the players unhappy with their coach and president Florentino Perez being heavily criticised by local fans and pundits.
The Frenchman has helped resolve such issues and coped with any new problems which have arisen, such as recent reports of a clash between the squad's big names and the club's medical chiefs.
After Wednesday's successful Champions League semifinal win over Manchester City, Cristiano Ronaldo said he hoped that Zidane continued in the job next season, saying the former Galactico star was "humble" and "knew how to listen" to his players.
Madrid also go into Sunday's home clash with Valencia having won their last 10 La Liga games on the bounce, and just one point behind leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid with just two fixtures remaining.
Speaking in AS, Valdano said that his former colleague in the Bernabeu hierarchy had shown the intelligence to handle both the dressing room and his news conferences in order to get the most out of his team.
"The dressing rooms which have worked best are those which know how to manage themselves," Valdano said.
"You get the feeling that Zidane is being very intelligent, that he knows how to negotiate with the players, and listen to them. He has put in a good mood, even in press conferences.
"He does not waste words, he learned from [Carlo] Ancelotti, he can douse a controversy with just one sentence, and with a seductive half-smile, convincing and calming. That relaxed mood has been very good for Real Madrid. If the player feels listened to and accepted, his commitment multiplies."