Zinedine Zidane Spotted at Bernabeu as Surprise Real Madrid Plan Revealed

Zinedine Zidane was at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night as Xabi Alonso's uncertain future at Real Madrid was thrown into further doubt following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Alonso, who was only appointed as Madrid manager in May, is under serious pressure following a poor run of form.

Coming into this week's Champions League clash in the Spanish capital, Real had won just two of their last seven games in all competitions, with last week's 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo being a particular low point.

A report from Team Talk suggested that if Los Blancos failed to achieve a positive result against Pep Guardiola's side, then Alonso would be "relieved of his duties" after just six months in charge.

Talk inevitably turned to the Spaniard's immediate future after goals from Nico O'Reilly and Erling Haaland sealed all three points for the travelling Citizens.

After the full-time whistle, Jurgen Klopp was priced up as the bookies' favourite to replace Alonso at 2/1.

Zinedine Zidane, who led Real to three consecutive Champions League trophies during his first spell in charge at the Bernabeu, came in as the second favourite at 3/1, as per Oddschecker.

As mentioned in a report from Mundo Deportivo, Zidane's name continues to be mentioned as a potential replacement for Alonso should the latter be dismissed from his role.

However, in a somewhat surprising revelation, it appears Madrid will not pursue Zidane for a third spell in charge. The 53-year-old is also not currently considering a return to the Bernabeu touchline.

"The reason is that Zidane is the leading candidate to succeed Deschamps as France manager after next year's World Cup," said the report from MD.

"There are even rumours of an agreement already in place between the two parties, which is why Zidane is only focused on France and not Real Madrid."

Zidane recently confirmed his intention to return to the touchline. "I'd like to be the head coach of the France team one day," he said at the Trento Sports Festival in October. "I will surely return to coaching."