Zinedine Zidane has been out of the dugout since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, but the French legend is reportedly assembling his coaching team as he eyes a potential return to management
Zinedine Zidane is preparing his return to management(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Zinedine Zidane appears to be preparing for a return to the touchline, with rumours swirling about him taking over the France job. The 53-year-old has been out of the game since his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021, but continues to be linked with high-profile positions due to his successful tenure at the Bernabeu.
Despite speculation linking him to Manchester United, French outlet L’Equipe reports that Zidane has been quietly discussing with the French Football Federation about succeeding Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup this summer.
It’s no secret that Zidane’s ultimate ambition is to manage his home country, although previous reports suggesting he was eager to do so have not led to any concrete developments.
Zinedine Zidane has long been linked with the Manchester United job(Image: AP)
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However, with Deschamps set to step down after this summer’s World Cup, it seems Zidane is ready to step up.
The report suggests he’s already assembling his coaching staff for the role, with his former assistant at Real, David Bettoni, expected to join him.
Meanwhile Reds’ interim head coach Michael Carrick will lead his first match for United against Manchester City at Old Trafford today.
Carrick has been appointed as the manager for the rest of the season following the sacking of Ruben Amorim last week, who had been at the helm at Old Trafford for 14 months.
Amorim was sacked as woeful displays were made worse by a row with director of football Jason Wilcox that set off a chain of events leading to his departure.
Numerous candidates, including Zidane, have been touted for the position, with Oliver Glasner, Carrick and Gareth Southgate heading the odds.
A major twist emerged on Friday afternoon when Glasner announced he will depart Crystal Palace at the end of the campaign.
The highly-regarded Austrian steered the Eagles to FA Cup glory last season but had failed to agree fresh terms at Selhurst Park. The 51-year-old joined Palace in 2024, having claimed the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt.
“My decision has already been taken months ago,” he revealed at a press conference. “I had a meeting (with Steve Parish) in the October international break, we had dinner and a very long talk and I told him I would not sign a new contract for Crystal Palace.”
