Zinedine Zidane is unwilling to commit to Bayern Munich because he would reportedly prefer to take over at Manchester United this summer.
Bayern are in the market for a new manager to replace the outgoing Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. The Bavarian giants had been keen on re-hiring Julian Nagelsmann after Euro 2024, but the 36-year-old has now signed a new contract with the German national team.
That has set tongues wagging about Zidane, who remains without a job ever since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021. The former midfielder has been linked with several roles over the past three years, and has been approached by the United States, Brazil and Algeria, but has decided to bide his time for the perfect job.
It has previously been suggested that Zidane does not want to take an international position unless it came with France. And now his pickiness could see him snub Bayern, with L’Equipe reporting that Zidane does not want to rush into anything with the German side because he has one eye on the situation at United.
The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team at United in February has put Erik ten Hag’s future under the microscope, with United seventh in the Premier League. Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for the Dutchman and Zidane is reportedly intrigued by the project at Old Trafford.
By contrast, Zidane is not enamoured with the idea of living in Munich and does not speak German. The 51-year-old is not fluent in English either – and has previously cited the language barrier as a potential issue, were he to take a job in the Premier League.
"Never say never," Zidane told L’Equipe in 2022. "Especially when you are a coach today. If I go back to a club, it is to win. I say this with all modesty. That's why I can't just go anywhere. For other reasons, too. Certain conditions make things more difficult. When someone says to me, 'Do you want to go to Manchester?' I understand English but I don't fully master it.
HAVE YOUR SAY! Would Zinedine Zidane be a good fit for Manchester United? Comment below.
"I know there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work differently. To win, many elements come into play. It's a global context. I know what I need to win. Of course, I might not always win, but I know that you need to have this, this and this. And I want to do everything on my side to optimise my chances of victory."
Zidane was linked with the United job when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sacked. He is among the names being considered by United again, with England boss Gareth Southgate and Wolves’ Gary O’Neil also names who have cropped up. Bayern, meanwhile, have Brighton coach Roberto De Zerbi and former United interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who is currently in charge of Austria, on their shortlist along with Zidane.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.