Zinedine Zidane 'willing to consider three clubs for managerial return'

By Ben Sully | 26 January 2023

Zinedine Zidane will reportedly only consider three clubs for his return from management after leaving his position as Real Madrid head coach in 2021.

Zinedine Zidane would reportedly be prepared to consider only three clubs for his return to management.

The 50-year-old has been out of work since leaving his position at Real Madrid in March 2021 following his second spell as the club's head coach.

Since hanging up his boots, Zidane's entire coaching career has taken place in the Spanish capital, beginning with a role as assistant coach to Carlo Ancelotti.

He went on to manage the club's reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla, before he was handed the top job in January 2016.

During two spells as Real Madrid boss, he won two La Liga titles, three Champions League, two Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups.

Zinedine Zidane in charge of Real Madrid in May 2021 © Reuters

Since leaving Los Blancos in 2021, Zidane has been linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and Manchester United, but there was a suggestion that he was waiting for the France job.

However, after guiding France to consecutive World Cup finals, Didier Deschamps's contract was extended until the summer of 2026, effectively ending Zidane's hopes of becoming the coach of the French national side in the near future.

Zidane has recently been linked with the managerial positions of the national teams' of Brazil and the United States, but he is only keen on three potential roles.

According to The Athletic, Zidane would be open to managing Juventus, Marseille or returning for a third spell as head coach with Real Madrid.

Zidane enjoyed success as a player with Juventus, who recently had 15 points deducted in Serie A due to alleged false accounting and financial irregularities.

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane pictured on February 14, 2021 © Reuters

The Frenchman scored 31 goals and provided 49 assists in 212 appearances for the Turin club, winning multiple honours, including two Serie A titles, an Italian Super Cup and a UEFA Super Cup.

The job at Marseille would also be considered if the French club could provide Zidane with evidence that they could realistically challenge for major trophies.

Marseille are Zidane's hometown club, and his emotional connection to the club was one of the key factors behind his decision to reject interest from PSG, who viewed him as a candidate for their managerial post following Mauricio Pochettino's departure last summer.

Meanwhile, after faring well in both periods as Real Madrid boss, a return to Los Blancos would be considered by Zidane.

However, he is prepared to bide his time and wait for the right role to become available before he decides to return to management.