Zinedine Zidane's Next Role In Management Revealed After Real Madrid Exit

Zinedine Zidane will not make a return to club management in the bid to land his dream role as France manager in 2022, according to stunning reports.

The 49-year-old legendary Frenchman stepped down as Real Madrid manager for the second time in May.

Los Blancos ended last season without any major silverware and failed to defend the La Liga title, with fierce rivals Atletico Madrid crowned champions of Spain.

Zidane has now emerged as one of the leading favourites to succeed Didier Deschamps as France head coach.

The former Madrid manager was heavily linked with replacing the France boss after the 2018 World Cup champions crashed out of Euro 2020 in the last 16.

However, the French Football Federation (FFF) will reportedly not axe Deschamps ahead of France's title defence at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

PA

Deschamps' current deal with France will expire at the end of the next World Cup, with a contract extension dependent on his side's success at the tournament.

According to L'Equipe, Zidane is prepared to wait until after the 2022 World Cup or 2024 Euros to take over from Deschamps.

ESPN has added that Zizou is 'next in line' for the France role, adding that he is recognised as an 'outstanding candidate' once the position becomes vacant.

The publication reports that French FA president Noel Le Graet would welcome the appointment of Zidane, who would have been brought in as France manager if Deschamps stepped down this summer.

PA

PA

Zidane has reportedly rejected offers from different clubs as his desire to land the France head coach role could see him out of management for more than three years.

Madrid president Florentino Perez claimed that the former Juventus star's "dream" is to be France manager and he will "surely achieve it."

The 74-year-old Spaniard said: "I know [Zidane] and it's been a hard year. I fought for him to stay.

"I haven't read the farewell letter but I swear by my grandchildren that the one who wrote that letter wasn't Zidane.

"But I wish him well; he's been a legend for Real Madrid and has the respect of all of us.

"His dream is to be the coach of France and he'll surely achieve it."

Topics: Football, Zinedine Zidane, France

Adnan Riaz

Adnan Riaz is a journalist for SPORTbible. He studied for a B.A. in History at the University of York and followed it up with an M.A. in Multimedia Journalism at MMU. Before he started writing about sports, he spent over four years in the gaming press. He has worked for several publications, including Hardcore Gamer, LADbible and the Manchester Evening News. Follow him on Twitter to find out what he is working on next. Got a story tip for Adnan? Email him: [email protected]

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