His name has been prominently mentioned in Algeria, but Zinedine Zidane doesn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about the idea. The newspaper L’Equipe has brought new revelations on this matter.
After Djamel Belmadi’s departure, the future of the Algerian national football team was uncertain. The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) quickly began the search for a successor, and among the names mentioned, Zinedine Zidane’s caused a sensation. However, hopes of the supporters were quickly dashed when the former Real Madrid coach declined the offer.
Zidane’s eventful sabbatical years
Since his departure from the merengue club in 2021, Zidane has remained in the shadows despite speculations about his next destination. PSG, OM, a return to Real Madrid, the French national team, rumors abounded. Yet, it was with a tinge of disappointment that Algerian supporters learned of Zidane’s refusal.
The FAF, eager to restore the national team’s reputation after the disappointing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, had placed high hopes on Zidane, but he chose not to seize this opportunity. The reasons for his refusal were not explicitly stated, leaving Algerian supporters in uncertainty.
However, the FAF does not seem ready to give up so easily. According to sources close to the matter, the federation’s president, Walid Sadi, is considering making a financially tempting offer as early as this weekend. Despite Zidane’s initial refusal, close associates of the football legend are encouraging him to seriously consider this option.
Zinédine Zidane’s familial ties to Algeria and Kabylie are factors the FAF hopes to exploit to convince the former 1998 World Cup champion. With the support of several sponsors, the offer to him could be “very significant,” according to reports. However, the latest revelations from the French press suggest that the FAF’s task will not be easy. Zinédine Zidane seems determined not to succumb to the allure of the Algerian national team, thus casting doubt on the identity of the future coach of the Fennecs.
Why Zidane refuses Algeria
In this period of uncertainty, Algerian supporters remain in anticipation, hoping that the FAF will quickly find a solution to restore the national team to its former glory. According to information relayed by L’Equipe, “the former French football legend, currently free from any professional commitment, has expressed his desire to join a solid project focused on winning, requiring a robust internal structure to ensure optimal performance. Unfortunately for Algeria, these conditions seem to be out of reach for the national team.”
Having managed renowned clubs such as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, Zidane has also attracted attention from the American, Belgian, and Saudi Arabian national teams. With Zidane’s probable refusal, Algeria seems to be heading towards further disappointment in its quest for a world-class coach.
Meanwhile, Zinédine Zidane enjoys his free time in Spain, where he closely follows the careers of his sons. Theo plays in the Real Madrid youth team, Elyaz in Sevilla FC, while Luca plays at Eibar. This period of respite seems to be favored by the former player, who takes the time to devote himself to his family. Although Algeria remains determined to continue its efforts to convince Zidane, the prospects seem bleak. As an alternative, Algerian media outlets DZ Foot and Compétition suggest the possible appointment of Madjid Bougherra, currently coaching in Qatar with Al Merkhiya.
The future of the Algerian national team remains uncertain, and the coming weeks could be decisive in the search for a coach capable of guiding the Fennecs to new heights. This is a story to follow.
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