Zinedine Zidane's France Managerial Agreement Emerges Amid Deschamps' Silence
French football icon Zinedine Zidane has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to assume the role of France national team manager, following the impending departure of current boss Didier Deschamps. This development comes after persistent speculation linking Zidane to the Manchester United job, which now appears to have diminished in likelihood.
Deschamps Refuses to Engage with Succession Speculation
Didier Deschamps, who has led the French national team since 2012 and guided them to World Cup victory in 2018, is set to step down after the 2026 World Cup. At a recent press conference ahead of France's friendly match against Colombia, Deschamps was questioned about comments from French Football Federation (FFF) president Philippe Diallo regarding his successor. Deschamps firmly declined to comment, stating he did not wish to "waste energy" on the subject.
"I usually don't comment on the president's statements. I focus on what's important to me, which is today, tomorrow and what lies ahead," Deschamps explained. "I'm not going to waste energy on that. What happens next doesn't concern me."
Verbal Agreement and Federation Hints
According to reports from France, Zidane has now secured a verbal agreement to take over from Deschamps this summer. FFF president Philippe Diallo added fuel to these rumours by suggesting an announcement could be imminent, admitting he knows the identity of the next France manager. When directly asked if it was Zidane, Diallo responded with a smile, "I invite you to join us after the World Cup."
Diallo emphasised the importance of selecting a candidate who meets multiple criteria and enjoys public support, noting that "fewer than five" individuals applied for the position after Deschamps confirmed his departure. The federation is believed to have positioned Zidane as the natural heir to Deschamps' throne, a move that aligns with Zidane's own expressed ambition to manage France one day.
Zidane's Managerial Hiatus and Manchester United Links
Zidane has been out of management since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021. During his tenure at Real Madrid, he achieved remarkable success, including:
- Three Champions League titles
- Two La Liga championships
- Multiple domestic cup victories
Despite his extended break from coaching, Zidane has consistently hinted at a return to management. In November of last year, he revealed, "It will happen soon. Very soon." While he has been frequently linked with the Manchester United job in recent years, it is understood that his limited command of the English language has made him reluctant to work in the United Kingdom.
Endorsements and Implications for Manchester United
Former French international teammate Nicolas Anelka has publicly endorsed Zidane for the France role, stating, "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."
This development may disappoint some Manchester United supporters who had hoped to see Zidane take charge at Old Trafford. However, the impressive performance of interim head coach Michael Carrick has reduced any urgency to pursue Zidane. Carrick has won seven of his first ten matches, consolidating United's position in the top four and making him the favourite to secure the permanent managerial role.
A final decision on Manchester United's managerial position is not expected until the end of the current season, allowing time for further assessment of Carrick's capabilities and other potential candidates.
