Bayern Munich is in search of a successor to Thomas Tuchel, and Zinedine Zidane, the former Real Madrid manager, has been suggested. However, Zidane seems more interested in the opportunity to take over at Manchester United this summer. Zidane has remained without a job for nearly three years and has turned down offers from the United States, Brazil, and Algeria, indicating that he is waiting for the perfect job offer. He has reportedly declined to commit to Bayern Munich due to his preference for the situation at Manchester United, where Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have taken a keen interest in the future of the club.
Zidane’s reluctance to work in Germany, as he is not fluent in German, has led him to consider the language barrier as a potential issue in taking up a coaching job in the Bundesliga. Zidane has previously stated that he believes language plays a crucial role in his ability to win, and he wants to ensure that all elements are in place to optimize his chances of victory. Thus, his hesitation to take on the Bayern Munich job is partly due to his language limitations. Zidane’s interest in Manchester United stems from the new project being developed under the ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, placing Erik ten Hag’s future at the club in uncertainty.
When Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked, Zidane was linked with the Manchester United managerial position. Currently, Gareth Southgate, Wolves’ Gary O’Neil, and Zidane are among the names considered for the role. At Bayern Munich, Roberto De Zerbi and former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick are also part of the shortlist for the managerial position. Zidane’s experience at Real Madrid, where he missed out on the La Liga title in his final season, has kept him in high demand despite his prolonged absence from coaching. His strategic approach to coaching, as evidenced by his success at Real Madrid, makes him an attractive option for top European clubs like United and Bayern.
Zidane’s meticulous approach to choosing his next managerial destination, focusing on both the footballing project and the living conditions, illustrates his commitment to finding the ideal fit. His interest in Manchester United is driven by the club’s new ownership structure and potential for a successful project under Sir Jim Ratcliffe. As Zidane weighs his options, Bayern Munich’s pursuit of a manager to replace Thomas Tuchel continues, with Zidane being a top candidate. Ultimately, Zidane’s decision will likely be based on a combination of factors, including the footballing project, club structure, and cultural fit, as he seeks to return to coaching and continue his successful career at a top club in Europe.