Zinedine Zidane looks set to manage a player he once argued had a better left foot than Lionel Messi.
On Monday, it was widely reported in Turkey that Zidane has engaged in talks to become Fenerbahce’s next coach. Turkish outlet Oksijen even claimed that the Frenchman has “reached a preliminary agreement” to take over as manager.
Said reports have been contested by Spain’s Mundo Deportivo, who allege the former Real Madrid boss is not considering coaching any club side.
L’Equipe, meanwhile, claim Zidane is “quietly” preparing to succeed Didier Deschamps as the manager of France following his resignation after the 2026 World Cup.
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Of course, should Zidane take over at Fenerbahce he would be succeeding Jose Mourinho, who was dismissed in late August following his team’s 1-0 aggregate loss to Benfica in the Champions League qualification playoffs.
‘Zizou’ would also be taking over a star-studded squad featuring the likes of Ederson, Jhon Duran and Anderson Talisca.
Zidane, who won 11 trophies, including three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles, while Real Madrid boss, has already expressed his appreciation for Fenerbahce’s Marco Asensio, with the pair having worked together at Los Blancos.
Indeed, a 21-year-old Asensio revealed the praise he had received from then-Real boss Zidane back in 2016.
Speaking to Spanish radio station Cope via TNT Sports, Asensio said: "Zidane told me that since Messi, he had never seen a left foot like mine.
"I was a little impressed, because Messi is a piece of a footballer."
Of course, Asensio would likely be among those keen on reuniting with Zidane, having idolised the 53-year-old while growing up.
"I had a poster of Zidane in my room, he was my idol when I was little," Asensio said in an interview with Jorge Valdano for Bein Sports.
"He had such charm and a lot of talent and everything I liked about football players, he showed on the field."
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Fenerbahce, Marco Asensio, Football, Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho, Transfer News
Chris Byfield