Zinedine Zidane has admitted it is unlikely he will take the charge at Manchester United, stating his reluctance to work in England is a key factor.
The Frenchman, out of management since his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021, has consistently been linked with top clubs, including United.
However, Zidane has revealed he is reluctant to join Premier League club because of the language barrier.
In an interview with L’Equipe, he expressed that while he understands English, he doesn’t feel proficient enough to manage effectively in an English-speaking environment.
Zidane highlighted that communication is key to success, and he prefers to work in an environment where he can fully engage with the team without language limitations.
Zinedine Zidane has admitted it is unlikely he will take the charge at Manchester United , stating his reluctance to work in England is a key factor
The Frenchman, out of management since his second departure from Real Madrid in 2021, has consistently been linked with top clubs, including Man United
Unlike some managers who are comfortable coaching in foreign languages, Zidane stated, ‘I work differently’ and emphasised that several elements need to align for him to join a club, with language being a crucial one.
The 52-year-old said: ‘Would I want to go to Manchester [United]? I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it. I know that there are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way.
He went on to add: ‘Many elements come into play in order to win, it is a global context. I know what I need to win.’
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Zidane’s decision also reflects his high standards and selectiveness. Since leaving Real Madrid, he has turned down several high-profile roles, including offers from Bayern Munich and various national teams.
Despite this, Zidane has mentioned he would return to management if the right opportunity arises, though it remains unlikely that Manchester United will be that destination.
Zidane’s journey as a coach began with Real Madrid Castilla, the reserve team of Real Madrid, in 2014.
After two years of honing his skills and understanding the dynamics of coaching, Zidane was promoted to first-team manager of Real Madrid in January 2016, taking over from Rafael Benitez during a turbulent period for the club.
Zidane’s impact was immediate and spectacular. In his first season, he led Real Madrid to the 2015-16 Champions League title, defeating Atletico Madrid in the final.
His success continued as he guided the team to two more consecutive Champions League victories in 2017 and 2018, making him the first manager to win the tournament three times in a row in the modern era.
However, Zidane (pictured above) has revealed he is reluctant to join Premier League club because of the language barrier
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side were beaten 3-0 by Liverpool on September 1
Zidane’s ability to manage a dressing room full of stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Luka Modric played a crucial role in his success.
Beyond European glory, Zidane also led Real Madrid to domestic triumphs. He won LaLiga in the 2016-17 season, edging out fierce rivals Barcelona.
His tenure also saw the club win two FIFA Club World Cup titles and two UEFA Super Cups, further cementing his status as a particularly capable manager.
After his third Champions League triumph in 2018, Zidane shocked the football world by stepping down as Real Madrid manager, citing the need for a change at the club and in his own career.
However, his break from football was short-lived. Less than a year later, in March 2019, Zidane returned to Real Madrid following the dismissal of Santiago Solari, taking on the challenge of rebuilding a team in transition.
During his second stint, Zidane achieved further success, leading Real Madrid to the 2020 La Liga title amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
This triumph was seen as a testament to his adaptability, as he molded a new-look team without Cristiano Ronaldo, who had left for Juventus in 2018.
However, despite his success, his second spell was marked by inconsistency, particularly in the Champions League, where Real Madrid failed to reach the final.
In May 2021, Zidane left Real Madrid for the second time, this time citing frustration with the lack of support and clear direction from the club’s hierarchy.
His farewell letter expressed dissatisfaction with the way his exit was handled, despite all his accomplishments.
Since leaving, Zidane has been linked with several high-profile positions, including the French national team, PSG, and Manchester United.
However, Zidane has remained selective about his next move, emphasising that he will only return to management if the project aligns with his ambitions.
