Five next job options for Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane has been linked with an assortment of jobs since he stepped down from his post at Real Madrid for a second time in May 2021.
The 50-year-old appeared destined to succeed Didier Deschamps at the helm of the France national team, but now that opportunity has been ripped away from him - for the next four years at least - what could his next move in management be? That's providing he's still interested in a return to the touchline.
Here are five potential jobs that Zizou could be tempted by in the future...
Brazil
Let’s start with a vacancy that’s already open. It’s a pretty big one too, arguably the biggest in international football.
Brazil haven’t appointed a foreign manager in over 50 years but there are murmurings that the Brazilian FA could change tact in a bid to win their first World Cup since 2002.
Zidane is of footballing royalty and one of many top European managers that are currently being linked to the opening, which popped up after Tite stepped aside following the country’s quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup..
Zidane no doubt had his sights set on managing France and will be infuriated at the manner in which he was overlooked, with the now-ex-president of the FFF, Noel Le Graet, stepping down from the role following the backlish to his controverisal comments: “If Zidane tried to contact me? Certainly not, I wouldn't even pick up the phone."
Should Zidane still be interested in jumping into the international arena for the first time as manager then the opening at Brazil is sure to attract him.
Whether the change in culture and country would appeal to Zidane is unknown. While taking the job would mean going against France on the global stage. Yet the chance to manage one of the most talented international squads on the planet is surely tempting, especially given that he’s previously managed - and enjoyed success with - some of their top stars at Real Madrid, including Vinicius Junior, Casemiro, and Rodrygo.
Real Madrid
Zidane has nothing more to prove at Real Madrid where he’s already scooped 11 trophies across two spells in charge, including three consecutive Champions League gongs.
Nonetheless, the lure of managing the Spanish giants is always strong. As is the return to familiar surroundings where he’s enjoyed immense success and could potentially set more records.
This is, of course, dependent on the future of his friend and current Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is contracted through to 2024.
Ancelotti expertly marshaled Los Blancos to a La Liga and Champions League double last term - outwitting the likes of Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp - and is gunning for even more glory this season, starting with a bid to win the Spanish Super Cup this weekend.
Like Zidane, Ancelotti has been touted as an option for Brazil. Should the Italian be tempted by the job, a summer move could well suit both parties. You can then expect club legend Zidane to be bang in the mix for spell No.3; the 50-year-old is priced at 5/1 in the next Real Madrid manager odds behind Raul and Mauricio Pochettino.
Next Real Madrid Manager Odds
PSG
Zidane may have missed out on the France job, for now, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see him pop up in his homeland at club level.
Zidane has long been linked with a move to PSG who are still seeking that elusive Champions League trophy, something he’s won a record three times as a manager and once as a player.
At the moment PSG are managed by the excellent Christophe Galtier who is half-way through his first season and contracted to next summer.
No manager is ever truly safe at PSG, meaning any signs of player unrest, an early European exit, or a slip up domestically could leave Galtier on the ropes. After all, this is a club that once sacked Thomas Tuchel on Christmas Eve.
In an event of a managerial change, Zidane would likely be top of PSG’s managerial wishlist. Despite the obvious allurement of managing Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar and co, Zidane may well have reservations due to his association with fierce Le Classique rivals Marseille, where he was born and grew up supporting.
Juventus
How about a return to Juventus?
Naturally, this is a club that Zidane would be very interested in rejoing as manager. As a player he wore the famous black-and-white shirt between 1996 and 2001, during which he scooped two league titles, three European cups, featured in two Champions League finals, and won the Ballon d’Or.
However, it will be somewhat of a waiting game.
Returning manager Max Allegri has come under pressure at various points throughout his second spell, yet the hierarchy stood by him, although the entire board recently resigned in what is a tumultuous time at Juventus.
To Allegri’s credit, the off-field chaos engulfing the club hasn’t affected the on-pitch performances of his troops, which have been superb of late; resulting in eight straight Serie A wins that has propelled them into title contention.
Chelsea
We’ve looked at an international option, assessed a trio of top class clubs across the continent, so now we’ll chuck a Premier League pick into the cauldron too.
Admittedly, history tells us that Zidane has been somewhat reluctant to voyage over to England. He's had opportunities, most notably with Man Utd, but for whatever reason has opted against the Premier League.
Now his dream of managing France is over - well, for the next four years - could he be open to going toe-to-toe with the likes of Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp, and Antonio Conte on a weekly basis?
At the time of writing, Chelsea could well be the most likely option given the pressure Graham Potter is under. As an Englishman, I desperately want Potter to make that breakthrough and succeed at a top Premier League club, but if he doesn't turn the tide of negativity and frustration soon and stamp results on the board then his time could, regrettably, soon be up.
Bookmakers are prepared for this outcome, having already released the next Chelsea manager odds, which features Zidane at an intriguing 12/1.
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