Zinedine Zidane, the French football and Real Madrid legend, has hinted that he will return to football coaching ‘soon,’ as he prepares to return to the dugout following his latest sabbatical.
He resigned as Real Madrid’s head coach for the second time in May 2021, admitting that he felt a disconnect between the club’s board and himself.
What did Zidane say on his return to coaching?
However, the 50-year-old is now ready to return to management after revealing plans to take up a new position soon at a statue unveiling at the Grévin museum in Paris on Monday evening.
Zidane’s recent comments could indicate that he is preparing for the role after the winter tournament concludes. There are currently no vacant managerial positions in Europe’s top clubs capable of attracting Zidane. Zidane was linked with the Manchester United job before the club hired Dutchman Erik ten Hag.
Speaking to RMC Sport, Zidane said, “Do I miss the coach’s suit? No, I’m not far away, we wait, we wait a little bit”. “Soon, soon. I’m not far from coaching again”.
Zidane as a coach
From 2015 to 2018, Zidane led Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles, making them the first club in history to do so three times in a row.
He also won two La Liga titles during his time in the Spanish capital, as well as two world’s best coaching awards, before leaving the club after losing the league title to cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid.
The French legend was expected to take over at Paris Saint-Germain after Mauricio Pochettino was fired in the summer, but instead chose to remain a free agent, with Christophe Galtier taking over.
Similarly, he was expected to compete for the French national team job, with the legendary midfielder aiming to become the first player and manager in history to win the World Cup with his country.
However, Didier Deschamps retained his position as head coach and will lead France into next month’s Qatar World Cup.
Real Madrid are pleased with Carlo Ancelotti after winning the Champions League and La Liga last season, while PSG remain staunch supporters of Galtier.
