Zinedine Zidane's first six months as Real Madrid's first-team coach did not go too badly, as he quickly resolved issues that brought down predecessor Rafa Benitez, almost caught Barcelona in the La Liga title race, and then finished the season by beating Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final.
That's all ancient history now, though and, ahead of his first full season in charge, Zidane still has to deal with structural issues in his squad and at his club, something his former teammate and Blancos legend Raul Gonzalez says will be a big challenge.
Here is a five-point plan for what Zidane might do to build on last season's success and imprint his own mark at the Bernabeu.
1. Sell to buy
Real Madrid's summer transfer window has yet to really take off. The world's richest club has been linked with superstars including Paul Pogba and Robert Lewandowski but, so far, the only real business has been the return from loan of Alvaro Morata and Fabio Coentrao.
Zidane's public comments suggested he wanted Pogba but it seems that, before any big signing is made, squad players -- perhaps Morata, James Rodriguez, Isco, Mateo Kovacic, Jese Rodriguez or maybe even Raphael Varane -- must be sold to raise sufficient cash.
It would be useful if Zidane could sit down with club president Florentino Perez and quickly move on those players, who are deemed expendable. It would also mean fewer bruised egos on the bench over the course of the season.
2. Balance the squad
Madrid's current squad is, as often during Perez's two terms, overloaded with creative playmaking types and short on cover in a few key areas. Spain under-21 starlet Marcos Asensio (returning from an excellent year on loan at Espanyol) adds to the traffic jam.
If James or Isco can be persuaded to move on, the priority should definitely not be another No. 10, Meanwhile, Euro 2016 showed that Pogba is not really suited to a deeper role. Casemiro impressed last season, but a younger, Xabi Alonso-style player, who can both pass well and tackle, would be very useful. A new left-back to cover for Marcelo should also be a priority.
3. Sort out the backup for attack
Morata's return from Juventus was sealed by the youngster's good showing in the group stages at Euro 2016. It seems unlikely, though, that Spain's first-choice No. 9, who is 24 in October, will be happy as a backup to the untouchable "BBC" of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Complicating matters are Benzema's continuing legal issues, with no date yet set for his trial on charges of blackmailing fellow France international Mathieu Valbuena, and there is the possibility he could be unavailable at some point.
Borja Mayoral has been loaned to Wolfsburg and Zidane appears happy for Jese to get playing time elsewhere, but some backup goal-scoring support is needed. Signing an experienced and versatile finisher, who does not expect to play every week, would be ideal -- if not easy to find.
4. Persuade Ronaldo to relax every now and again
As always at Madrid, the main issue for the coach is to get the best out of Ronaldo. The Portuguese, who turns 32 next January, will miss most of preseason -- at least -- due to the knee injury he suffered in the Euro 2016 final. Further, clocking up too many minutes through the autumn and winter leaves him at less than 100 percent for the big games of April and May.
A factor will be the three-time Ballon d'Or winner wanting to remain in the spotlight as he pursues a fourth trophy. Zidane might feel he can do without Ronaldo for Alaves or Espanyol at the Bernabeu, but the player himself will need to be convinced to sit out such opportunities to boost his scoring numbers.
5. Play nicer football
When former galactico Zidane took over from the methodical Benitez in January, there was an expectation that Madrid would suddenly start to play dazzling football. Early games brought some big home wins but, bit by bit, the team became more cautious and reactive, with holding midfielder Casemiro becoming almost as important as Ronaldo or Bale.
There were some grumbles about this attritional football in the spring, although few were worried when the Champions League trophy was lifted in May. Longer term, though, the Bernabeu and Perez would prefer their team to provide more entertainment.
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