Legendary Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has defended struggling Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane on the grounds that it’s always hard to reverse ‘negative momentum’.

Madrid have had a season to forget and Zidane’s re-appointment in March failed to have any impact on their disastrous season.

Del Bosque, who won two Champions League titles with Madrid, defended the Frenchman, insisting that reversing such a slide is complicated. The 68-year-old also pointed out that the team has had three managers in a turbulent year.

“Zidane isn’t going to ask me for advice,” Del Bosque told the press at the launch of the ninth edition of his Campus Vicente Del Bosque, according to Marca.

“Madrid have a good squad and I’m sure they’ll freshen it up a bit, but it’s a fantastic group.

“The worst thing for them has been to have three coaches and it’s complicated to reverse negative momentum. I’ve experienced it myself and I know how complicated it is.”