Zidane linked with Juventus head coach job
It seems increasingly likely that Andrea Pirlo will be dismissed as Juventus head coach in the summer, with reports in Italy stating that Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane could take charge in Turin.
The Frenchman played for the Bianconeri from 1996 to 2001 before making the move to Los Blancos, who he represented until his retirement in 2006. When asked about his future beyond the end of this season, Zidane has been non-committal.
La Gazzetta dello Sport note that Pirlo will see out the final three matches of the season in Serie A, despite Juventus’ heavy 3-0 defeat to AC Milan last weekend that leaves them in fifth, and the Coppa Italia final. He will then part ways with the club in the summer.
According to the Italian newspaper, there are two names on the table when it comes to replacing Pirlo: Massimiliano Allegri or Zidane.
“Juve’s situation suggests, or almost imposes, the choice of a strong, charismatic and experienced figure,” reads one line in Gazzetta’s piece.
It is expected that Allegri will return to the club after a two-year absence. The coach initially stepped down as Juventus boss in 2019 after disagreements with the club about how to progress forward.
Yet, despite the links with Allegri, Zidane’s name continues to be bandied about. The Real Madrid head coach has not closed the door on leaving Los Blancos in the summer, too.
“I’m going to make it very easy for the club, because they’ve given me everything,” said Zidane before the match against Sevilla.
Juventus are ready to step up their efforts to bring Zinedine Zidane back to Italy.
The Real Madrid boss is set to decide his future at the club in the summer.
(Source: Tuttosport) pic.twitter.com/5t5JS8KAj6
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“Could he still surprise everyone, like in 2018 and 2019, with a surprise decision? And would he accept coaching Juve in the Europa League, with little room for manoeuvre in the transfer market?” Gazzetta pondered.
It is not just Gazzetta linking Zidane with Juventus, though, as Tuttosport also believe he is on the club’s shortlist.
“Juve, new coach: Zidane, [Gennaro] Gattuso and Allegri,” read their headline.