MADRID: Thousands of Real Madrid fans turned out to watch Zinedine Zidane take charge of his first training session as the team's new coach on Tuesday.

The squad played on a short pitch before kicking balls into the stands of the Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium at Madrid's training grounds.

Madrid's in-house television said 6,000 were in attendance.

The club traditionally opens its doors to the first practice session of the year.

Zidane, a former Madrid and France great, was named its manager on Monday when Rafa Benitez was fired midway through his first season, a day after its 2-2 draw at Valencia.

His first game will be on Saturday at home against Deportivo La Coruna   in the Spanish league.Madrid trails leader Atletico Madrid by four points.

Real Madrid's newly appointed coach Zinedine Zidane, left, steps out for his first training session in Madrid, Spain, Tuesday January 5, 2016. Photo: AP