Who Does Zidane Coach? His Current & Past Teams

Alright, football fans! Let's dive into the coaching career of the legendary Zinedine Zidane. You might be wondering, "Zidane is the coach of which team right now?" Well, as of my last update, Zizou is currently without a team. But don't worry, that doesn't mean he's hung up his boots for good when it comes to coaching. Let's explore his incredible journey and where he might pop up next.

Zidane's Illustrious Coaching Career: A Deep Dive

Zinedine Zidane, or Zizou as he’s affectionately known, isn't just a football icon because of his mesmerizing skills on the pitch. His transition to coaching has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by an unparalleled level of success that has cemented his place among the managerial elite. Let's take a comprehensive look at his coaching career, highlighting his strategies, achievements, and the teams he has led to glory.

Real Madrid: A Legacy Forged in White

Zidane's coaching career is virtually synonymous with Real Madrid. His deep connection with the club, first as a player and later as a coach, has created a bond that transcends mere professional association. When he first took the reins of Real Madrid's first team in January 2016, following a stint with Real Madrid Castilla, he inherited a squad brimming with talent but lacking cohesion and a clear tactical direction. What followed was a period of unprecedented success that left an indelible mark on the club's history.

Tactical Brilliance and Man Management

One of Zidane's greatest strengths as a coach is his exceptional ability to manage egos and foster a harmonious team environment. In a dressing room filled with superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, and Karim Benzema, Zidane managed to create a sense of unity and shared purpose. His tactical approach was often pragmatic, focusing on leveraging the individual brilliance of his players within a structured framework. He wasn't necessarily a revolutionary tactician in the mold of a Pep Guardiola or a Jurgen Klopp, but his understanding of the game and his ability to make astute in-game adjustments were second to none.

Zidane's tactical flexibility allowed Real Madrid to adapt to different opponents and situations. He often employed a 4-3-3 formation, which provided a solid defensive base while allowing his attacking players the freedom to express themselves. However, he was also willing to tweak his formation and strategy based on the specific challenges posed by each match. His substitutions were often game-changing, demonstrating his keen eye for identifying weaknesses in the opposition and exploiting them.

Unprecedented Champions League Dominance

Under Zidane's guidance, Real Madrid achieved something that had never been done before in the Champions League era: winning three consecutive titles. This remarkable feat is a testament to Zidane's tactical acumen, his ability to motivate his players, and the winning mentality he instilled in the team. Each of those Champions League triumphs had its own unique narrative and challenges.

The first title, in 2016, saw Real Madrid overcome a tough Atletico Madrid side in a penalty shootout. The second, in 2017, was a masterclass in attacking football, as Real Madrid dismantled Juventus in the final. The third, in 2018, was a hard-fought victory against Liverpool, marred by controversial incidents but ultimately showcasing Real Madrid's resilience and determination.

La Liga Success and Club World Cup Victories

While the Champions League triumphs often stole the headlines, Zidane also led Real Madrid to domestic success. In 2017, Real Madrid won La Liga for the first time in five years, breaking Barcelona's stranglehold on the title. This victory was a testament to Real Madrid's consistency throughout the season and Zidane's ability to manage his squad effectively.

In addition to the Champions League and La Liga titles, Zidane also guided Real Madrid to two FIFA Club World Cup victories, further cementing the club's status as the dominant force in world football.

The First Departure and a Brief Return

After achieving unparalleled success, Zidane surprisingly stepped down as Real Madrid manager in May 2018, citing a need for change and a feeling that the team had reached the end of a cycle. However, his absence from the Bernabéu dugout was short-lived. In March 2019, he returned to the club, tasked with revitalizing a squad that had struggled in his absence.

Zidane's second spell at Real Madrid was not as trophy-laden as his first, but he still managed to win La Liga in 2020, demonstrating his ability to adapt and rebuild. However, after failing to win any major trophies in the 2020-21 season, he once again resigned as manager, leaving behind a legacy that will be difficult to match.

Juventus: The Unfulfilled Promise

Before making his mark at Real Madrid, Zidane was heavily linked with a potential coaching role at Juventus, the club where he had starred as a player. While a return to Turin never materialized during his peak coaching years, the possibility remains an intriguing "what if" scenario. Juventus, with its rich history and demanding fanbase, would have presented a unique challenge for Zidane. His understanding of the club's culture and his rapport with the fans could have made him a popular choice, but the timing never seemed to align.

France National Team: A Future Awaits?

The France national team is another potential destination that has been frequently mentioned in connection with Zidane. As a legendary figure in French football, having led Les Bleus to victory in the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, Zidane is seen by many as the natural successor to Didier Deschamps. The timing of such a move would depend on Deschamps' future with the national team and Zidane's own ambitions. Leading his country would undoubtedly be a dream job for Zidane, but he would need to carefully consider the expectations and pressures that come with it.

Other Potential Destinations

Beyond Real Madrid, Juventus, and France, Zidane has been linked with several other top clubs in recent years. Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and even Bayern Munich have all been mentioned as potential destinations. Each of these clubs offers its own unique appeal and challenges, and Zidane would need to carefully weigh his options before making a decision. Factors such as the club's financial resources, the quality of the squad, and the overall project would all play a role in his decision-making process.

What Makes Zidane a Great Coach?

So, what exactly makes Zidane such a successful coach? It's not just about tactical genius; it's a combination of several key factors:

• Man-Management Skills: Zidane excels at managing big egos and creating a harmonious team environment. Players respect him, and he knows how to get the best out of them.
• Tactical Flexibility: While he may not be a revolutionary tactician, Zidane is adaptable and can adjust his team's strategy based on the opponent.
• Winning Mentality: Zidane has an unwavering belief in his team's ability to win, and he instills that belief in his players.
• Experience as a Player: Having been a world-class player himself, Zidane understands the game from a player's perspective, which gives him a unique advantage.

Where Will Zidane Coach Next? The Speculation

As of now, the question, "Zidane is the coach of which team?" remains unanswered. The football world is eagerly waiting to see where Zizou will land next. There's always speculation, of course. Some rumors link him to taking over a national team, perhaps even France in the future. Others suggest he might return to club football, possibly with a team like Juventus or even trying his hand in the Premier League.

The Allure of the Premier League

The Premier League could be an interesting challenge for Zidane. Imagine him managing a team like Manchester United or Chelsea. His calm demeanor and tactical mind could bring a new dynamic to the English game. Plus, it would be exciting to see how he adapts to the fast-paced, physical nature of the Premier League.

Back to Real Madrid? Never Say Never

Could we see Zidane back at Real Madrid for a third stint? In football, you can never say never. If Real Madrid were to face a crisis, Florentino Pérez might just pick up the phone and call Zizou again.

The Zidane Effect: More Than Just Tactics

It's not just about formations and strategies with Zidane; it's about the Zidane effect. He brings a certain aura, a sense of calm and confidence that permeates the entire team. Players trust him, and that trust translates into better performances on the pitch.

Mentality and Motivation

Zidane is a master motivator. He knows how to get into the minds of his players and inspire them to give their all. He understands that football is as much a mental game as it is a physical one, and he excels at preparing his team for the psychological battles they face.

Conclusion: The Future Awaits

So, while we can't definitively answer the question, "Zidane is the coach of which team?" right now, one thing is for sure: wherever he goes, success is likely to follow. Whether it's a return to Real Madrid, a new adventure in the Premier League, or taking charge of the French national team, Zizou is sure to make his mark. Keep your eyes peeled, football fans, because the next chapter in the Zidane coaching saga is sure to be an exciting one!

For now, we'll just have to wait and see where the legendary Zinedine Zidane decides to grace the sidelines next. One thing's for sure: the football world will be watching with bated breath!