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Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Football, France, Real Madrid, Didier Deschamps
Ben McCrum
Topics: Zinedine Zidane, Football, France, Real Madrid, Didier Deschamps
Football legend Zinedine Zidane looks set to finally return to the sport as he's reportedly entered talks for his next job.
It's nearly been five years since Zidane left Real Madrid for the second time of his managerial career, claiming that the club "no longer had faith" in him.
The France legend won three consecutive Champions League titles and a La Liga title in his first period as manager between 2016 and May 2018 before returning to win second La Liga title in 2020.
Because of the huge success with his former club, Zidane has been linked with several jobs since leaving Real Madrid, including the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and the France national team.
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So far, Zidane is yet to return to the dugout, but it appears that he may finally accept his next job as reports claim he's entered talks to take charge of a huge team this year.
Although a number of clubs have desperately tried to convince Zidane to be their next manager, it's long been expected that his next role would be to lead France.
Many had believed that he would take over the role following France's second-place finish at the 2022 World Cup or, failing that, following Euro 2024, but Didier Deschamps remains in charge.
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However, it appears that this may finally be about to change, with a report from French outlet L'Equipe claiming that the French Football Federation have started preparing for the post-Deschamps era and entered talks with Zidane.
It's claimed that talks remain in the very early and confidential stages, but it is clear that Zidane is the Federation's top target and that the move signals their hopes of bringing in a high-profile figure to replace Deschamps.
As expected, Zidane is said to be eager to take the job, with his key demand being the ability to restructure the technical staff and bring in his own assistants to apply his unique footballing philosophy.
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Among those expected to join Zidane at the French nation team is David Bettoni, who served as Zidane's assistant for both of his spell as Real Madrid boss.
Speaking in October, Zidane confirmed his interest in returnining to the dugout in the near future, identifying the France job as his dream move.
“For sure I’m returning to work as head coach, it’s my plan," Zidane promised at said the Festival Dello Sport.
“My desire is to become France head coach one day… let’s see”,