Zinedine Zidane's next job 'makes sense' after Ruben Amorim appointed by Man Utd
Zinedine Zidane remains without a job after leaving Real Madrid three years ago, with Ruben Amorim now just days away from replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United
Now that Manchester United are no longer an option for Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid boss has been advised to take over the French national team.
Ruben Amorim was confirmed as United's new head coach last week, putting an end to speculation linking Zidane to Old Trafford for the foreseeable future. Despite claims towards the start of the year that Sir Jim Racliffe was interested in the former midfielder for the position of head coach, United ultimately hired Amorim after Ten Hag's sacking, with the Portuguese set to start life at Old Trafford on Monday, November 11.
With several of Europe's top club sides now seemingly also out of the running for Zidane, having appointed managers of their own, many fans and pundits alike are wondering just where the French legend will end up next. Despite securing a host of trophies in his two stints with Real Madrid, former PSG sporting director Leonardo believes Zidane's future "lies with the French team".
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In an interview with French outlet, Le Figaro, the 1994 World Cup winner eulogised over the man who not only won the Champions League and La Liga with Madrid as a player, but also won three European Cups and a league title with the club as a manager. However, regardless of Zidane's next destination, he did warn the ex-Ballon d'Or winner against taking on the Brazilian national team job.
"As a player, he had such qualities in his game... Gestures that everyone remembers, and it's no coincidence that he scored goals in World Cup and Champions League finals. He was unique on the pitch," Leonardo said of Zidane's qualities.
Three years after leaving Real Madrid, Zidane's name has come up regularly whenever a European giant has been on the hunt for a new manager. Whether it was tenuous links with United or being rumoured with taking the reins at Bayern Munich or PSG, Zidane has never taken the plunge with another club in Europe, and it seems as if he is biding his time and possibly waiting for the perfect opportunity.
It's believed that Zidane has even been approached by several national teams, including Brazil, with the Selecao hierarchy envisioning the former Juventus star taking over the five-time World Cup winners. However, Zidane reportedly turned down the offer - a correct decision according to Leonardo.
"In Brazil's case, it's a difficult time because there are problems with training and the federation," he said. "Maybe it's not the best thing for Zidane to come in charge of the Brazilian national team. Zidane's future lies with the French team, not Brazil. It makes more sense."
However, for Zidane's French dream to materialise a lot of moving parts would have to fall into place. Current manager Didier Deschamps is still in the job, and the Les Bleus coach is under contract until the 2026 World Cup.
Despite winning the World Cup in 2018 and guiding them to another final in 2022 - when France lost to Argentina - the French federation could still wield the axe over Deschamps following a poor showing at the next World Cup, or he could step down following the USA tournament. Regardless of what the French decide, it's looking likely that Zidane will be ready and waiting to lead his country again, only this time from the dugout.