Zinedine Zidane stands on the brink of managing the France national team after securing a verbal agreement to replace Didier Deschamps following this summer’s World Cup.
The 53-year-old coaching veteran, idle since his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021, has drawn persistent interest from Manchester United. Yet, the French national team has long viewed him as a prime candidate, and he now prepares for a return to the sidelines in the coming months.
FFF Leadership Signals Imminent Announcement
French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo hints at a swift resolution in the search for a new head coach. In a recent interview, Diallo confirmed: “Yes, I know his name.”
He stressed the importance of a candidate who fulfills key requirements and enjoys widespread public backing, adding: “It takes a profile that ticks many boxes and which can also be the subject of support from the French people, since this French football team is the team of the French people.”
Diallo revealed that the federation received fewer than five applications, all from French nationals.
France prepares for World Cup clashes against Norway, Senegal, and the victor of an Inter-Confederation playoff.
Zidane Eyes National Team Role
Zidane recently signaled his coaching comeback: “It will happen soon. Very soon.”
He affirmed his aspirations: “I’d like to be the head coach of the France team one day. I will surely return to coaching.”
Former teammate Nicolas Anelka backs Zidane as the ideal choice: “I don’t know if it’s official, but I think it will be Zidane. Everyone says it will be him, and he’s the best choice; he proved it at Real Madrid. He was a good coach. He will be a good leader for the French players.”
Manchester United’s Managerial Outlook
Manchester United faces choices at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick, appointed as Ruben Amorim’s successor earlier this season, delivers strong results with seven Premier League wins from ten matches, positioning the Red Devils third ahead of the campaign’s final international break.
