Paris Saint-Germain are trying to convince Zinedine Zidane to become their new coach and replace Mauricio Pochettino, sources have told ESPN.
The two sides failed to reach an agreement, with Zidane’s entourage denying reports that an agreement had been made. There are discussions, however, through a third party, and even if the outcome remains uncertain, there is hope in PSG that a deal can be struck.
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Zidane, who has won the Champions League for three consecutive seasons as Real Madrid coach, is a priority for the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who owns PSG and is close to Zidane for many years.
1998 World Cup Champion, from MarseillePSG’s arch-rivals have been without a club since leaving Madrid in the summer of 2021.
He is considered by many to be the perfect manager to deal with PSG’s all-star squad, which includes Lionel Messi, Neymar, Sergio Ramos and Kylian Mbappeand eventually win the club’s first Champions League.
But Zidane is interested in coaching France national team after Didier Deschamps’ departure. That could be in December after the World Cup or even after the European Championships in 2024.
PSG are considering a clause in Zidane’s contract that would allow him to take the job in France when it becomes available.
Meanwhile, Luis Campos, PSG’s new sporting director, is working on other options he already knows, which further complicates the situation. Christophe Galtier, who worked with Campos at Lille with great success and currently in Good, is the first name on his list. Julen Lopetegui, Seville coach, has been offered while River Plate’s Marcelo Gallardo and Sporting’s Ruben Amorim are other names on the shortlist.
Zidane is not in Campos’ plans at the moment, even if they have known each other since their time at Real Madrid. And this summer, Campos is in charge of a lot of hiring, including the manager.
