'Bayern Munich contact Zinedine Zidane'

Stuart Telford

• Updated: 14 Apr 2024 13:32 BST
• 3 min read

Bayern Munich have sounded out Zinedine Zidane about the possibility of replacing Thomas Tuchel as manager, according to a report in Spain.

Zidane has been out of work since 2021, when he left Real Madrid for a second time.

He has been linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus and France in the time since, but thus far nothing has materialised.

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The former Ballon d'Or winner was back in Turin recently though, and was asked by a reporter about a return to the Old Lady. "Coach one day in Italy? Why not?" he replied.

"Anything can happen, but at the moment I'm doing something else. I'm sure I'll return to the bench, I'd like to coach again."

And now Bayern could give him that chance.

Zidane now first choice for Bayern?

"In recent days, leaders of the German club have contacted Zinedine Zidane's entourage to find out his willingness to return to the bench three years after his relationship with Real Madrid ended," writes Marca's Jose Felix Diaz.

The report goes on to highlight that Bayern have also shortlisted Julian Nagelsmann and Hansi Flick - both former managers - as well as Jose Mourinho, but that Zidane could now be the preferred candidate.

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The French legend previously quelled speculation of a move to United owing to his lack of English, and with neither that nor German under his belt, a move to Bavaria could prove difficult.

However, Bayern may now need to move away from the tactical geekery of Nagelsmann and now Tuchel, who speak both but have struggled in recent seasons, and towards a figure like Zidane who commands respect just by his very presence.

Bayern will surrender what would have been a 12th consecutive Bundesliga title on Sunday if Bayer Leverkusen beat Werder Bremen, as expected.