Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane reveals where he would want to coach next – “Will return someday” | OneFootball

Zinedine Zidane is one of the hottest prospects available in the managerial market right now, but the Frenchman’s long sabbatical appears to have no end in sight.

After leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has not taken up a managerial position elsewhere in over four years, making many believe that he is waiting for something special.

There has been no shortage of offers from top clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, but Zidane remains put, at least for now.

Zidane on his next coaching destination

Speaking at the Trento Football Festival (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio), Zidane spoke at length about his coaching career so far and what’s in store going ahead.

Zidane was notably asked about a coaching position at Juventus, to which the Frenchman offered a diplomatic response before going on to admit that he would love to coach the French national team.

“I will definitely return to coaching. Me at Juventus? I don’t know why it didn’t happen. I always have him in my heart because he gave me so much. In the future, I don’t know, one of my goals is to coach the French national team. We’ll see,” he said.

When will Zidane return to coaching? (Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for EA SPORTS FC™ 25)

During the interview, Zidane also spoke about his decision to become a coach in the first place, notably praising the likes of Lippi and Carlo Ancelotti.

“When I stopped playing, my life changed. After three years, I didn’t know what to do; I tried so many things until I signed up for the coaching course. Of all the coaches I’ve had, the one I  learned the most from was Lippi, he was very important,” he said.

“I first had Ancelotti as my manager, then I became his assistant: he’s a friend, he was important to my career. He was a good coach because he listened to us players,” he added.

Zidane also talked about the factors that make one an ideal coach in football, pointing out that having passion for the game is extremely important.

“He must be passionate about football, deeply passionate. It’s not just those who win who are good; there are good coaches who can’t win.

“The most important thing for me is to convey something to the players. When you’re passionate, then you convey something to the players,” he concluded.