Two years after leaving Real Madrid as manager once more, Zinedine Zidane might be ready for a shock return this summer.
Carlo Ancelotti’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu is uncertain in light of Los Blancos’ shaky defence of their La Liga championship this year and the interest shown in him by Brazil’s national squad.
If Ancelotti were to depart, the Spanish powerhouses would require a new head coach, and it appears like Zidane would be a leading contender to replace the former Chelsea boss.
According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid are in contact with Zidane over possibly returning for a third spell as head coach. The Frenchman has been out of work since leaving in 2021, but that could be about to change.
Zizou resigned from his post in 2018 but following Julen Lopetegui and Santiago Solari’s brief disappointing spells in charge of Madrid, the three-time FIFA Player of the Year returned to the club less a year later.
Zidane’s managerial career
The 50-year-old enjoyed two special stints as manager of Real Madrid, leading the club to a hat-trick of Champions League triumphs in his first spell, along with several other titles and won the La Liga title in his second stint.
Zidane led Real Madrid to as many as 11 trophies across two spells before stepping away in 2021, per Madrid Universal.
Since then, he has been unattached and has been waiting for the France national team job. But with Didier Deschamps renewing his contract, that is no longer an option.
Ancelotti apologises to Real Madrid fans
Earlier, Sports Brief reported Real Madrid saw any hope of them retaining their La Liga title disappear after they were embarrassingly thrashed 4-2 by Girona on Tuesday night.
Despite having 72% possession, Los Blancos, who had not conceded a goal in La Liga in their previous six games, were outplayed by the Catalans and created far fewer chances than the hosts.
Carlo Ancelotti has now apologised to the Real Madrid fans following the embarrassing defeat. He has vowed that the team will bounce back in its remaining competitions.