Michel Der Zakarian, recently parted from Montpellier, is in advanced negotiations with Espérance Sportive de Tunis (ES Tunis) for what would be his first managerial role outside of Europe. The Tunisian club, aiming to reshape its trajectory this season, appears poised to bring in Der Zakarian to inject new energy into the team.
Reports, including those from the ‘Espérance Time’ account on X (formerly Twitter), confirm that discussions between Der Zakarian and ES Tunis have reached a crucial stage, with the club prioritizing his appointment.
Currently positioned sixth in the Tunisian league, ES Tunis has managed only two wins, three draws, and one loss, accumulating nine points thus far.
With a clear desire to improve their standing, the club views Der Zakarian as a fitting candidate to initiate this turnaround.
In their search for new leadership, ES Tunis had initially considered former Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi.
However, Der Zakarian has emerged as the front-runner, a choice driven by his experience and disciplined coaching style.
If confirmed, Der Zakarian will embark on his first managerial role on the African continent—a significant career milestone for the coach, known for his strong tactical approach and no-nonsense style.
Adding another layer of interest to the potential appointment is the possibility of Der Zakarian reuniting with Youcef Belaïli, whom he previously coached at Brest.
Their time together was marked by notable moments, including reported disagreements over training commitment.
Should Belaïli and Der Zakarian cross paths again at ES Tunis, their reunion could create an intriguing dynamic within the team, potentially influencing Belaïli’s role and performance under familiar management.
Der Zakarian’s experience and rigorous approach could bring a distinctive influence to the Tunisian league, potentially setting a new standard within the ES Tunis squad.
For a club eager to regain its competitive edge, Der Zakarian’s track record of instilling discipline and structure could be pivotal.
His adaptation to a new environment and league, however, will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
As the appointment awaits final confirmation, anticipation builds around Der Zakarian’s possible arrival in Tunis, where his European experience could provide fresh insights and a new strategic outlook for the club.
