Zinedine Zidane, the former coach of Real Madrid, is ready to make a comeback to the club if Carlo Ancelotti departs at the end of the 2022/23 season.
“Perhaps my free time will only last until June,” Zidane shared last month.
According to Defensa Central, the French legend has set two conditions for his return to the Bernabeu. Firstly, Zidane wants to bring back his former colleague, Gregory Dupont, to Real Madrid as the fitness coach. Dupont is considered Zidane’s right-hand man.
The 50-year-old fitness coach previously worked at the Bernabeu in 2019. He also contributed to France’s victory in the 2018 World Cup.
Furthermore, Zidane wants to retain Eden Hazard at Real Madrid. Under Ancelotti’s management, the Belgian international has been overlooked. Since the start of the 2022/23 season, the former Chelsea star has only played 7 matches across all competitions, scoring 1 goal. After nearly 4 years with the Madrid-based club, Hazard has only managed to score 7 goals in 73 appearances. Zidane is confident that he can help Hazard regain his top form as he did during his time at Chelsea.
However, Zidane’s potential return to Real Madrid might be affected by the latest statement from coach Ancelotti. The Italian manager expressed his happiness and desire to continue his work at Real Madrid, stating in an interview with Marca on March 27th: “I am happy and want to continue my work at Real Madrid. I have said this many times. I want to be associated with this team for life.”
In the summer of 2022, Zidane declined an offer to coach PSG. The French football legend was believed to be waiting for an opportunity to lead a national team in the future. However, this ambition faded away when the French Football Federation (FFF) extended its contract with coach Didier Deschamps for another 4 years (until after the 2026 World Cup).
It is also rumored that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has approached Zidane. The CBF recognizes the French coach’s credentials, including being a foreign coach, currently available, and having an impressive track record. However, Zidane has not shown interest in this position yet.
