Zinedine Zidane, now 53, reflected on his time as manager of Real Madrid in an interview with L’Équipe. The French legend coached the club in two separate spells, from January 2016 to May 2018 and again from March 2019 to May 2021. Despite the short periods, he delivered extraordinary success, winning two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies. His squads featured some of the greatest players of the modern era.
Zidane explains how training revealed true greatness
Zidane highlighted that training sessions often exposed the real quality of elite footballers. He said he quickly understood this while coaching Real Madrid. He described how he simply observed Luka Modrić, Toni Kroos, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema during sessions. Zidane insisted he rarely needed to intervene because their talent and professionalism guided every action. He believed their work ethic set the standard for the entire squad.
Why Zidane trusted his stars
The French icon explained that great players often require minimal instruction. He preferred to let them express their intelligence and creativity on the pitch. Zidane believed that Modrić and Kroos controlled the rhythm, while Ronaldo and Benzema delivered decisive moments. He viewed his role as creating the right environment rather than dictating every detail. His approach helped Real Madrid dominate Europe during his tenure.
Zidane’s future remains uncertain
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has not taken another coaching job. French media repeatedly reported that he reached an agreement with the French Football Federation to take over the national team after the World Cup. The plan depended on Didier Deschamps stepping down from his position as head coach. Deschamps ultimately extended his contract, leaving Zidane without a role despite strong interest from fans and analysts.
Could Zidane still lead France?
Many in France believe Zidane remains the natural successor to Deschamps. His achievements as a player and coach give him unmatched credibility. The federation continues to monitor his situation, and speculation grows each year. Zidane has expressed interest in returning to the bench, but he insists he will wait for the right project. His next move could reshape the future of French football.
