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Zinedine Zidane Returns to Coaching with Marseille | Goal.com[/caption]
Since he left Real Madrid in 2021, the 51-year-old has been out of coaching works and has been reported to have declined many employment offers. However, reports indicate that he is returning to management after striking a deal in Saudi Arabia.
It is speculated that Zidane was attracted to the opportunity to lead Marseille because of the club's legendary past and ardent fan base.
Zidane's agreement with Saudi Arabia
According to reports, Zidane has agreed to become the manager of Marseille if the club is sold to Saudi Arabia.
The present owner, Frank McCourt, bought the club only seven years ago and has said repeatedly that he has no plans to sell it. This criterion is therefore seen as difficult to fulfill. Nonetheless, Daily Mail reports that Zidane has asked for a £260million transfer budget to accept a return to Marseille, and Saudi Arabia have granted this. As a player and a manager, the ex-France star has amassed an extraordinary collection of honors. [caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="634"]
Zidane has one of the most impressive trophy cabinets both as a player and as a manager.[/caption]
As manager, he guided Real Madrid to three consecutive Champions League titles. Under his watch, Real Madrid also won the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup on two separate occasions, as well as the La Liga and Supercopa championships.
However, the 51-year-old has never managed a team outside of Spain, and his last managerial tenure was from 2019 to 2021 at Real Madrid.
Possible Zidane's Impact on Marseille
It's conceivable that Zidane's return to coaching will have a significant effect on Marseille. Despite being one of France's most prominent teams, Marseille has not won Ligue 1 since 2010. With Zidane at the helm, Marseille may finally be able to mount a title challenge.
