The former three-time world player of the year and French World Cup winner retired from football after last year's World Cup and following three baron years at Real.

Madrid are again struggling in the league this season, six points off pacesetters and bitter rivals Barcelona, out of the Spanish cup and with a precarious 3-2 lead from the home leg of their Champions League last 16 clash with Bayern Munich.

But Zidane, who scored the winning goal in the final the last time Madrid won the Champions League in 2002, believes his old teammates are close to reclaiming their glory years.

"When we don't win we think changes need to be made because Real Madrid is not a small club but once they win a trophy, they'll be right back up at the top," said Zidane.

The former Madrid number 5 said he believes his old team can play better than they have done this season but still feels that Barca are the title favourites.

Real have not won the title since 2003 when Zidane was orchestrating things from midfield.

He won one title and one Champions League crown in his five years at the club, which some felt was underachieving given the number of galactico stars at Real during Zidane's time.

But Zizou has no regrets.

"I'm very proud of my five years (at Real), we won titles and we also lost some but the most important thing was the people I met, they helped me a lot," added the former France captain.