Real Madrid senior players have asked Zinedine Zidane to act as an intermediary with coach Jose Mourinho.

Punto Pelota says Real's Spanish senior leadership group, Alvaro Arbeloa, Xabi Alonso, Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas met with Zidane to discuss how they could improve the harmony inside the squad and with Mourinho.

Zidane 'listened', but told them he didn't want to take sides, though added: "Just make sure things do not get worse."

The meeting has become known to Mourinho, who is understood to be unhappy by the development.

"I remember when leaders acted differently," he confided to one friend.