After two years away from the sidelines, Zinedine Zidane revealed that he is ready to return. In an interview with GQ magazine, the former player explained the reasons for the break and admitted his desire to train the French selection not future.
“I’ve always said that when you know the France national team as a player and become a coach, it’s logical to think about it. But now is not the time”, declared Zidane.
Currently, the French national team is coached by Didier Deschamps, who won the 2018 World Cup and was runner-up in the last World Cup, played in December 2022. The coach has a contract with France until the 2026 World Cup.
“Player and coach, these are two professions that have nothing to do. When you come out of a season on the bench, you are more tired than a player. ” – Zinedine Zidane.
Meeting with the football legend, on the cover of our summer issue: https://t.co/Q2JfBPyvfF pic.twitter.com/ggUAL7uO2X— GQ France (@GQ_France) June 13, 2023
Since leaving command of the Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane did not manage any team. Despite attracting the interest of several teamsthe former player remained “off”.
“Player and coach are two professions that have nothing to do with each other. When you come off a season on the bench, you’re more tired than a player. In this position, it comes from all sides: all information comes back to you and you are responsible for making decisions. Casually drains your energy. When I got home, my head was still there. I love what I do and I can work really hard, but every now and then, and it’s happened to me twice, I have to switch off,” said the 50-year-old.
On August 17, 1994, Zinédine Zidane made his debut for the France team. And what beginnings! 🙌
Entered at 63′, he scored a double (85′ and 87′) and gave the Blues a draw (2-2) against 🇨🇿
A historic 1st selection, for a legendary player 💙#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/MgGDjZ3o2r
— Team France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) August 17, 2022
In four seasons as head coach, Zidane has gone down in history as one of the most successful managers in the world. With Real Madrid, he won three Champions Leagues in a row, two Spanish Championships, two King’s Cups and two Club World Cups.
“Today I just enjoy life, I have time to go see my parents if I want, to have lunch with my wife and children when I’m in Madrid, to go out with my friends. All of this is only possible by taking a step back. My life life is still going three hundred kilometers an hour, but I feel invigorated,” explained Zidane.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
Kingston is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
