Zinedine Zidane takes Real Madrid training for the first time and receives rapturous applause from attending supporters

Thousands of Real Madrid supporters applauded Zinedine Zidane at the Valdebebas

training ground as he put his players through their paces for the first time on Tuesday since being appointed as manager of the club until at least the end of the season.

The 43-year-old was announced as Rafa Benitez's replacement at the club on Monday, a move from Madrid which has ignited excitement around the club's fanbase.

The Frenchman is preparing his side for his first match as manager, against seventh-place Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday at the Bernabeu.

Zinedine Zidane, the new Real Madrid manager until at least the end of the season, discusses team tactics with Cristiano Ronaldo

Zidane (left) and Ronaldo pictured in training on Tuesday, after the Frenchman replaced Rafa Benitez as manager of Madrid

Madrid manager Zidane talks to fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema during a club training session on Tuesday

Madrid supporters flocked the club's training ground to watch Zidane at work with the team for the first time

Zidane (right) watches on as his players warm up at the start of training before attempting to make an impression on their new boss

Zidane gathers his squad round to give instructions during the open training session at Madrid's Valdebebas training ground

Madrid are currently third in La Liga, two points behind Barcelona and four behind leaders Atletico Madrid.

They were held to a 2-2 draw by Gary Neville's Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday, missing the chance to move level on points with Barcelona, who had drawn with Espanyol earlier that day. 

Zidane was unveiled as manager of the club on Monday and pledged to win a trophy with the club this season.

Madrid were removed from the Copa del Rey after fielding an ineligible player, meaning the club's two chances of silverware left are the Spanish league and the Champions League, where they face Roma in the last 16.

Upon his unveiling on Monday, Zidane said: 'I will be working hard with all the players and I think that it will go well. Tomorrow (Tuesday) is when the work starts. I will put all my heart into this club. Thank you everyone.' 

Zidane's previous coaching experience comes with the Real Madrid B side, as well as acting as an assistant to Carlo Ancelotti.

As a player, his trophy haul included the World Cup with France in 1998, as well as La Liga in 2003 and the Champions League in 2002 with Madrid. He also won two Serie A titles in five years with Juventus.

Zidane watches his players in training as he prepares for his first game at the club against Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday

Zidane (right) takes over Madrid with the club third in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by two points and Atletico Madrid by four

Zidane hands out instructions to the Madrid players while overseeing his first training session at the club

The 43-year-old Zidane pledged to win a trophy this season with Madrid when he was unveiled as manager on Monday

Zidane told the media he will put all his heart into being manager of Madrid, a club he represented as a player

Madrid forward Ronaldo looks on, as does defender Nacho Fernandez (left) during Zidane's training session

Zidane plays a pass in Madrid training on Tuesday (left) after being unveiled as manager by Florentino Perez (right) on Monday

David Beckham, a former team-mate of Zidane's at Madrid, heralded the appointment made by the club.

'Does it get any better than this ?? (sic) A man that has been the best at a game we all love , taking over of a club that myself and many more people love... Someone with drive , passion and also doesn't accept failure on any level.. Taking over from a manager that has huge experience and respect in the game , but taking on a position that he will relish ... THE BEST PERSON FOR THE JOB.'