As a player, Zidane was instrumental in leading Les Bleus to victory at consecutive tournaments, including the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. After taking the helm at his former club Real Madrid in 2016, he became the first manager to win the Champions League three times consecutively. However, Zidane has been jobless since ending his second tenure at Santiago Bernabeu in May 2021. Since then, his name has been associated with several clubs, including his old team Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, and United. Despite concerns about Zidane managing in England due to language barriers, he stated, “never say never” back in 2022.
Thierry Henry, speaking to CBS Sports, revealed his thoughts on Zidane’s managerial future.
Thierry Henry said, “I’m not going to go there, I think he is waiting for the national team. So I’m not going to go there. I don’t think he will go there [Juventus]. I think he is waiting for one thing and one thing only and that’s the national team. You won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, why are you going to bother with other clubs when you can have the national team? I wouldn’t.”
Pressed for further information on whether the France job might open up soon,
Thierry Henry added, “I don’t actually know but Zizou has been waiting. I don’t think Zizou would want to do it, I can see him waiting for the national team and it makes total sense.”
Unfortunately for Zidane, his wait for what Henry describes as his ‘dream gig’ continues. Deschamps, who has been at the helm since 2012, guided France to victory in the 2018 World Cup but fell short in the 2022 final. He also holds a contract that secures his position until at least 2026. However, he is not alone; another character from La Liga’s storied history, Barcelona stalwart Xavi, who managed the team until the summer, is also reported to be in consideration for the same job.
