体坛英语新闻：Zidane impressed by revived Marseille under Bielsa's reign

PARIS, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Zinedine Zidane told Marseille's website on Thursday that he's overjoyed to see Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa has his hometown club back challenging for local title.

The France legend, who's born in Marseille 42 years ago but has never played there, paid a visit to the Ligue 1 leaders' training ground while continuing his study for a coach's license.

He's warmly received by the Argentine coach and impressed by the work that Bielsa has done to the French soccer giants.

Marseille had experienced ups and downs recently since being crowned in 2010, but came back to the summit of the top flight this season under Bielsa's reign.

"The arrival of Marcelo Bielsa has changed the structure of the club. He has arrived with his own methods of working," said Zidane.

"This has been a revival and it's been great for the club. He's brought results and it is on these that I will judge him overall.

"As a fan of Marseille, I'm delighted to see this," added the Real Madrid Castilla coach.

With just one game to be played before the winter break, Marseille are one point ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain before hosting Lille on Sunday, while the PSG play Montpellier at home on Saturday.