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Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel, Champions League, La Liga
Rory O'Callaghan
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Thomas Tuchel, Champions League, La Liga
Zinedine Zidane could be about to break one of his biggest rules as he eyes a return to management.
Zidane, 51, has been without a role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021 – his second spell as head coach at the Bernabeu.
During his first period in charge from 2016 to 2018, Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles as well as La Liga in the 2016/17 campaign.
He returned to the club in 2019 to replace Santiago Solari, later winning the La Liga title for a second time in the 2019/20 season.
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Since stepping down from the role, Zidane has been linked with several top clubs including Manchester United and PSG, as well as the France national team.
But a shock report from Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has now claimed that Zidane is close to replacing Thomas Tuchel as manager of Bayern Munich.
Tuchel is set to leave his role as Bayern boss at the end of the campaign following a disappointing domestic season, although he could still win the Champions League with the German club this season.
Mundo Deportivo claim that an agreement has not yet been signed with Zidane due to 'missing details', while he is also said to have asked for assurances in the transfer market.
But should he decide to take the job, Zidane could be breaking one of his own rules over his managerial career.
The former France international seemingly ruled himself out of contention for the United job in 2022 due to his lack of fluency in English.
"If I go to a club, it's to win," he told L'Equipe.
"I say this in all modesty. That's why I can't go anywhere. For other reasons, too, I might not be able to go everywhere. Which ones? The language, for example. Certain conditions make things more difficult.
"When people say to me: 'Do you want to go to Manchester?' I understand English but I don't fully master it.
"I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It's a global context. Me, I know what I need to win."
Similarly to English, Zidane does not speak German fluently, having never played or coached in Germany during his career.
It remains to be seen whether he will change his mind over his language rule, although the chance to manage Bayern Munich could be too tempting an offer to turn down.