Paul Clement was already used to dealing with big players and big egos, but walking into the dressing room at Real Madrid for the first time in 2013 was a huge moment even for him.

Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric were just some of the superstars at his disposal, and straight away he knew this would be his most exciting, but most demanding job yet as Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant.

Speaking to UCFB students as part of the Executive Guest Speaker Series, Clement said: “We knew it was a big club from the outside; its history, the players, but it wasn’t until I walked through the doors that I saw what it was like. It was jaw dropping.”

He added: “One of the first things they do is take you in to the boardroom, and at that time there was nine European cups on show.” Of course, everyone now knows that in Clement’s first season in Madrid, Los Blancos finally sealed their long awaited tenth European title.

The former Reading and Swansea manager went on to explain to students how the Madrid offer came about for him and Ancelotti. He said: “We were at PSG when we first got the idea that Carlo might get the opportunity to go to Madrid, and it was like ‘wow, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!’”

He added: “You then just pray that it’s going to happen!”

For the next two seasons, the pair rode the rollercoaster of the biggest and most demanding football club in the world.

Clement explained: “Everywhere we travelled – Spain, Europe, the world – it was incredible with the fans, I’ve never seen anything like it. It was just a wonderful experience.”

As well as the Champions League title, the club also won the Copa Del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA World Club Cup during Clement’s tenure.

He added: “When you’re in it, it becomes very normal very quickly in what you do. You don’t realise sometimes where you are, but looking back it was amazing memories. Our period there was one of great success but I think it can be a very difficult place to be if you’re not because it is so demanding.”