Paris Saint-Germain 'closing in on Zinedine Zidane appointment'

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 10 June 2022

PSG 'closing in on Zinedine Zidane appointment'

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as their new manager ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's expected sacking.

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Zinedine Zidane as their new manager.

The three-time Champions League-winning coach has been out of the game since stepping down from his Real Madrid post for a second time at the end of the 2020-21 season.

Zidane has long been considered one of the frontrunners to take over at PSG, although the 49-year-old was originally believed to be holding out for the France job.

However, with Didier Deschamps seemingly set to remain with Les Bleus until after this winter's World Cup in Qatar, Zidane has given more thought to the Parc des Princes role.

According to journalist Omar Altundag, PSG are edging closer to confirming Zidane as their new head coach, and such a scenario is now considered "very likely".

Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino pictured on April 23, 2022 © Reuters

Altundag adds that PSG's Qatari-based owners made an "indecent" offer to the former Real Madrid boss, while current and former French presidents Emmanuel Macron and Nicolas Sarkozy have also contributed to the appointment.

Joachim Low, Nice manager Christophe Galtier and Sporting Lisbon's Ruben Amorim were all mentioned as contenders for the job, but PSG's lengthy pursuit of Zidane will apparently now bear fruit.

Zidane would arrive at PSG as a replacement for Mauricio Pochettino, who is expected to be sacked despite steering PSG to the Ligue 1 title with four games to spare last season.

Les Parisiens lost their grip on the Coupe de France last term, though, while they suffered a Champions League last-16 collapse at the hands of Zidane's former employers Real Madrid.

An official announcement of Pochettino's departure is expected soon, as the Argentine prepares to leave having won 56, drawn 13 and lost 15 of his 84 matches in charge.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane pictured on January 2, 2021 © Reuters

The 50-year-old has won one Ligue 1, one Coupe de France and one Trophee des Champions during his time in Paris, but his haul is dwarfed by Zidane's list of honours.

Zidane's time at Real Madrid saw him win three consecutive Champions League crowns - becoming just the third manager to do so after Carlo Ancelotti and Bob Paisley.

The Frenchman also won two La Liga titles, two Club World Cups, two Supercopa de Espana titles and two UEFA Super Cups in Madrid, as well as being named the world's best club coach in 2017 and 2018.

PSG have already kickstarted their summer overhaul in senior roles, with former Monaco and Lille sporting director Luis Campos joining the club as their new football advisor.

Campos - who also worked at Real Madrid as a scout in the 2012-13 season - is seemingly set to replace outgoing sporting director Leonardo, whose departure is yet to be confirmed by the club.