Zinedine Zidane has constantly been linked with a move to Chelsea to become the club’s new manager, and a report has now explained why the French legend rejected a move to Stamford Bridge.
Todd Boehly has consistently changed managers during his time at Chelsea, since he and Clearlake took charge in 2022. Eight managers, including those appointed on an interim basis, have been in the dugout.
Currently, Liam Rosenior is in the hotseat but despite a 7-0 win over Port Vale on Saturday, Rosenior is certainly under pressure. He’s lost seven of his 20 games, including twice to PSG and three to Arsenal.
Tosin is the answer to Rosenior’s defensive woes 👊
Impeccable performance against Port Vale.
Zidane has remained out of work since leaving Real Madrid for a second time as manager in 2021, but now the French icon has made himself available for work again. Here is why he rejected Chelsea.
Zidane has been linked with Chelsea on two occasions
Before the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino in 2023, Zidane was linked with Chelsea. But the Blues went for Pochettino instead, with the Argentine remaining in the job until the summer of 2024.
Real Madrid CF v Sevilla FC - LaLiga Santander
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Then again, after Enzo Maresca was sacked, Zidane was supposedly on a list of managers that Chelsea were looking to appoint. But the latest report from AS explains why Maresca did not consider Chelsea.
Indeed, for Zidane, he has only ever been interested in managing two teams. The France National Team and Real Madrid and with Madrid looking for a new gaffer, as well as France, he is available again.
It is believed Zidane has said yes to taking over as France manager in due course, with Didier Deschamps confirming he will leave his post as the head coach of the National Team after the 2026 World Cup.
Which other clubs have tried to poach Zidane?
Zidane has regularly been linked with a move to the Premier League despite never playing in England during his playing career. Manchester United and Chelsea are the two most-regularly linked with him.
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The report claims Paris Saint-Germain have pushed hard to land Zidane over the years, but these days are more than happy with Luiz Enrique in the dugout. The team to closest has been Saudi side Al Ahli.
A team currently boasting Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, Franck Kessie, Edouard Mendy and plenty more recognisable names, Matthias Jaissle remains in charge. But Zidane was tempted by the cash on offer.
Instead, Zidane has remained out of work until now, approaching five years. It looks more than likely now, however, that Zidane will return to the world of management. It won’t be in West London, though.
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