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Zidane brings back feel-good factor, but now the hard work starts at Real Madrid

The French coach was upbeat and charming Friday as he looked ahead to his debut, but only rapid results will ensure a smooth start to his tenure, writes Ben Hayward.

The feel-good factor is back at Real Madrid. Gone is the doom and gloom from the Rafa Benitez era, replaced by a fresh and sunny outlook since the arrival of Zinedine Zidane in his place. Positive, optimistic, charming and charismatic — the Frenchman is everything his predecessor was not. But now he has to start winning football matches.

The difference already is tangible.