Zidane is not a good example. The players didn't turn on Zidane, not just because he commanded respect, but because he got them playing and winning. Look at Benitez at Madrid, he's got ego, he's got experience, but that didn't stop the players from downing tools when he tried to instill a defensive mentality on them and was completely out of his depth - I'd say Benitez should be the example, not Zidane.
When a team is playing really well, with a coach that have very nice ideas, winning games, trophies and enjoying the game, the team would grow to like and respect the manager no matter who it is.
You're making it like Zidane was some sort of tactical genius. He did nothing specific on the pitch that another manager wouldn't and Madrid players can win on their own most of games. The differenc between him and Benitez is the latter is hatable figure. Beside Liverpool Benitez was hated at every club he managed by the players and fans, and he was coming from a period of decline with Napoli. There's a reason why he's managing at Newcastle now.
Madrid players didn't respect Benitez from day 1, and he failed to control their ego. Zidane could, due to his personality, being idol for many footballers and the prestige in his name. No one can say no when someone like Zidane comes to talk to him. The thing about winning so they respected him is nonsense as during his last season when they had a terrible season all around and were losing non stop in first half of the season no player showed disrespect to Zidane. They still loved and kept fighting him.
Can you see any player doing this to Zidane at any time whatever the results are ? Yes or no ?