Real Madrid's Zinedine Zidane would welcome Raul return to Bernabeu

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has backed a return to the club for Raul Gonzalez, saying he could become coach one day.

Raul won six La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues during 16 seasons at the Bernabeu and is now La Liga's Country Manager for the United States.

But reports this week said he would leave that role and could move back to Madrid.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of Sunday's home game against Alaves, Zidane said: "As a player, he is an emblem of this club.

"I would be delighted if he can do something big here. I don't know when, but this is his home.

"He could easily end up here as a coach. He is obsessed with football, and could end up coaching."

La Liga leaders Madrid are two points clear of Barcelona with a game in hand, and face both Barca and Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu in April as well as playing Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Zidane said club captain Sergio Ramos would be among the players rested against Alaves with a hectic schedule coming up.

"He has played a lot, and all the players are very important," he added.

"We have nine games in 28 days and that means that we are going to need all the players. We are all ready for the final stretch of the season."

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to feature despite being one booking away from a suspension.

"Cristiano has four yellow cards, and I hope that he ends up with four until end of season," Zidane said.

"But we do not look at that. It's important he plays. We will see how we manage it."

Mauricio Pellegrino's Alaves side have an excellent away record and have won at Barcelona this term, and Zidane warned: "We know they are a very difficult opponent, but we are ready for the game."

The coach was terse when asked about recent comments by Barca's Gerard Pique, who claimed Madrid had undue influence behind the scenes.

"Pique talks, then I can say something, then it goes back and forth," Zidane said.

"I don't get into this. Madrid is a big club, a serious club. That is all I will say."

Asked whether he could coach Barcelona one day, Zidane smiled and replied: "No -- and now you have tomorrow's front page."