Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane cannot afford to rest on his laurels despite making a positive start to his Santiago Bernabeu tenure, according to former France team-mate Nicolas Anelka.

World Cup-winning midfielder Zidane took over from Rafael Benitez in January, having previously coached their Castilla side, with the club third in La Liga and two points adrift of arch-rivals Barcelona having played a game more.

Zidane has made a largely positive start although Sunday's 1-1 draw at Malaga leaves his side a point off second-place Atletico Madrid and now nine below champions Barca.

With La Liga success looking highly unlikely this term, Anelka warned his former international colleague that he will always be under pressure in the capital.

"He likes football and he has the right qualities. He started with nice wins at the Bernabeu and I'm happy for him," the former Madrid striker told France Football.

"But it is only the beginning and the road is long. At Real Madrid, the pressure is very strong. You're never completely calm."