By Conor Laird Published: June 12, 2022 3:48 pmLast Updated: June 12, 2022 4:06 pm Word stemming from the French media on Sunday suggests that Zinedine Zidane has provided his response to the initial advances of Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, regarding the club’s managerial position. And the news will come as a blow to those hopeful of seeing the iconic Frenchman patrolling the sidelines of the Parc des Princes next season. A change on the bench is of course imminent in the French capital, after confirmation was forthcoming earlier today that those in a position of power at PSG have opted to part ways with Mauricio Pochettino. Despite having only taken up the reins at the club last summer, it was evidently decided that the Argentine’s efforts towards breaking PSG’s long-standing European curse proved insufficient, with ‘Poch’ therefore set to become a free agent once more over the coming weeks. This comes amid a major shake-up in Paris, fresh off Luis Campos replacing Leonardo as football advisor. So, what next for PSG? It is widely understood that the aforementioned Zidane has been identified as the first-choice managerial target on the part of those in a position of power at the Parc des Princes. Reports in France earlier this week even went as far as to suggest that the ex-midfielder had come to an agreement on the terms of a contract with the French champions. Such suggestions, however, have today been firmly rebuffed. As per reliable French journalist Romain Molina, Zidane was indeed approached by the Paris Saint-Germain hierarchy over recent days. However, the 49-year-old, perhaps owing to his Marseille roots, is understood to have ‘turned down’ the opportunity. Nevertheless, PSG are expected to return with a fresh proposal, keen to sort the situation on the club’s bench at some point over the coming week. Should ‘Zizou’ stand firm in his rejection, though, an approach is expected to follow for Christophe Galtier in short order, with the OGC Nice boss a favourite of the aforementioned Luis Campos. Karim Benzema responds to compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni’s Real Madrid switch being made official Sunday’s transfer rumours: Nunez, Raphinha, Leno, Richarlison and more
Zidane snubs PSG after Mbappe, Real Madrid fiasco
Much has been said about the Kylian Mbappe transfer saga that ultimately ended over the weekend with the striker deciding to sign a contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain. Following the confirmation of Mbappe's decision, it has now been claimed that fellow Frenchman Zinedine Zidane has decided to snub PSG's offer to have him take over the managerial role from Mauricio Pochettino. According to French publication Telefoot, the former Real Madrid player and manager has opted not to take on the PSG challenge after Mbappe decided to slam the door across the faces of his former colleagues at the Santiago Bernabeu. Zidane is one of the most successful managers in Real Madrid history and it is a well-known fact that he is a strong admirer of Mbappe. In fact, he had been at the core of Los Blancos' desire to sign the French forward, but the 23-year-old's rejection has left a bitter taste in the mouth for everyone even remotely connected to Real Madrid. PSG's Argentine manager has been on the chopping block despite the fact that he led the club to a very comfortable Ligue 1 title. Zidane was reportedly used by the club as one of the bargaining chips to convince Mbappe to stay, with the latter also a big admirer of the French national team legend. However, now that Mbappe has agreed to the extension, it seems that he may not be getting a chance to work with Zidane after all. Real Madrid supporters are unhappy by the way Mbappe dragged the transfer decision to the last moment. His representatives engaged in meetings and negotiations with the Real Madrid hierarchy before ultimately deciding to throw their offer back at their faces. It is unclear what Zidane thinks about what transpired, but it was always clear that it would be hard to convince him to join PSG simply because of his ties to big rivals Marseilles. Zidane is also believed to be eyeing the managerial position at the French National Team, which is expected to be vacated by Didier Deschamps after the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, Diario AS claims that PSG have not given up yet. The Emir of Qatar, who owns the club, is reportedly reaching out to Zidane directly, and it remains to be seen if he will be able to make him an offer he can't refuse. Meanwhile, other big changes are expected at PSG, with sporting director Leonardo also set to be replaced. Zidane in his second spell as Real coach AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS
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