Deschamps on Zidane: “Zizou Is Destined for Greatness as a Coach”
Didier Deschamps has acknowledged that Zinedine Zidane came close to taking the helm of the French national team in 2012 — a move that ultimately fell through due to Zidane’s lack of coaching experience at the time.
Speaking on French radio station RMC this Wednesday morning, Deschamps, who was appointed head coach of Les Bleus that same year, confirmed he was aware of the talks between Zidane and the French Football Federation (FFF).
“Yes, yes, I already knew that,” Deschamps revealed. “But Zizou made an important decision: ‘I want to be a coach.’ He earned his coaching qualifications, and he’s on his way.”
Though Zidane eventually stepped into the coaching world as an assistant at Real Madrid under Carlo Ancelotti, Deschamps made it clear that his former teammate is aiming for the very top of the profession. “I don’t see Zizou coaching a small club,” he said. “Even I could, relatively speaking. But Zizou? He’s something else. I wouldn’t have felt comfortable coaching at a lower level either.”
Zidane’s aura, legacy, and expectations surrounding his managerial career continue to attract attention. His calm demeanour on the bench and sharp footballing mind have already drawn praise during his time at Real Madrid, even before taking on a head coach role.
Deschamps also addressed recent rumours linking Zidane to AS Monaco, a club with which the former Ballon d’Or winner has no previous ties, but one that has been mentioned as a potential launching pad for his managerial career.
“He needs a team that allows him to achieve results quickly, because expectations will be high from day one,” Deschamps commented. “He’ll start next season, but as of now, he doesn’t know where.”
Zidane’s name continues to circulate in discussions about top managerial jobs in both domestic and international football. As his coaching career formally begins to take shape, the footballing world watches with anticipation to see where the legendary No. 10 will take his first steps as head coach.
