Zidane gives Chelsea manager boost by rejecting USMNT job

Karan Tejwani

• 9 Jan 2023 10:00 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea have been given hope of appointing Zinedine Zidane as their next manager after the French legend turned down an approach from the United States Men’s National Team.

Zidane has been out of coaching since leaving Real Madrid for a second time in 2021, after two successful spells with the capital club in Spain.

He has been linked to a variety of jobs since and was tipped to take over as head coach of the French national team but that hasn’t happened as Didier Deschamps agreed to an extension.

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Now, other clubs have received hope in getting Zidane as he has turned down offers from various interested parties, and it’s something Chelsea may pay attention to.

Chelsea could move for Zidane

Zidane has had a fine managerial career having started off with Real Madrid midway through the 2015-16 season and has seen trophies aplenty in his time.

He became the first coach to win the Champions League in its current iteration three times in a row when he achieved the feat between 2016 and 2019.

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Zidane has also won two league titles in that time – all with Real Madrid – and has previously spoken about his desire to succeed Deschamps as head coach of the French national team.

However, despite losing the World Cup final on penalties, Deschamps agreed to extend his contract with the French national team until 2026, leaving Zidane without a job.

Over the years, the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Chelsea have all been linked with Zidane, but a move was never made for him.

Chelsea moved to appoint Graham Potter earlier in the season so it’s unlikely they sack him just yet, but will keep Zidane in their plans for the future.

There has recently been controversy with Zidane and the French Football Federation, as President Noel Le Graet was uncomplimentary about the legendary footballer.

The President suggested he wouldn’t pick up a phone call from Zidane with regards to him taking over the France job, which has been met with criticism, with Kylian Mbappe even backing Zidane.