Zinedine Zidane remains one of the most sought-after candidates in the managerial landscape, yet his extended break from coaching shows no signs of ending soon.
Since departing from Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has not accepted a new managerial role for over four years, leading many to speculate that he might be awaiting a unique opportunity.
Numerous prestigious clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, have expressed interest, but Zidane remains unmoved, at least for the time being.
Zidane Discusses Future Coaching Aspirations
During an appearance at the Trento Football Festival (as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio), Zidane shared insights regarding his coaching journey and potential future directions.
When asked about potentially taking on a role at Juventus, Zidane provided a tactful reply and expressed his desire to one day lead the French national team.
“I will definitely return to coaching. Why didn’t I join Juventus? It’s hard to say. I have a deep connection to the club as they have given me so much. Looking ahead, one of my dreams is to coach the French national team. We’ll see what happens,” he stated.
During the conversation, Zidane reflected on his journey into coaching, crediting figures like Marcello Lippi and Carlo Ancelotti for their influence on his career.
“After I retired, my life completely changed. For three years, I was uncertain about my direction until I enrolled in coaching courses. Among all the coaches I’ve had, Lippi was the one I learned the most from—he was instrumental in my development,” he shared.
“I first had Ancelotti as my manager before becoming his assistant; he’s a friend and played a crucial role in my career. He was an excellent coach who listened to us players,” he added.
Zidane also discussed the essential qualities of a successful coach, emphasizing the importance of passion for the game.
“A coach must have a profound passion for football. Winning isn’t everything; there are many capable coaches who may not win,” he stated.
“The key for me is to communicate something meaningful to the players. When you are passionate, it resonates with them,” he concluded.