Zinedine Zidane, the former head coach of Real Madrid, has reportedly declined an offer to replace Christophe Galtier as the new manager of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Zidane, who has been away from the dugout since his second departure from Real Madrid at the end of the 2020-21 season, has been the subject of numerous offers over the past two years. However, the Frenchman has been selective, waiting for the right project to mark his return to football management.
Initially, it was speculated that Zidane was waiting for the French national team’s managerial position to become available. However, with current head coach Didier Deschamps extending his contract until 2026, Zidane’s return to club-level management seems imminent.
PSG is expected to have a managerial vacancy soon, with current manager Christophe Galtier’s position under scrutiny. Despite winning the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions in his debut season, Galtier’s tenure has been marred by a disappointing Champions League exit and allegations of racist comments during his time at Nice, which he denies.
According to Le Parisien, PSG approached Zidane to discuss a potential partnership for the 2023-24 campaign. However, Zidane declined the offer, despite his eagerness to return to the touchline.
Zidane’s managerial career at Real Madrid was marked by significant success, including three consecutive Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, two Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups. He was named the World’s Best Club Coach in 2017 and 2018.
With Zidane out of the picture, PSG is considering other candidates for the managerial role. Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann is now the favorite, despite the significant compensation PSG would need to pay Bayern to secure his services.
Former Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry was also considered for the assistant head coach position under Nagelsmann, but he is no longer in the running.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
