Zinedine Zidane finally moves closer to dream job after missing out on Man United role

Zinedine Zidane is edging closer to his dream role with the France national team as current manager Didier Deschamps grapples with apparent dressing room unrest. Deschamps, who guided Les Bleus to World Cup glory in 2018 and to the tournament's final in 2022, has come under fire following lacklustre performances at Euro 2024.

In a controversial move, he has excluded Kylian Mbappe from the squad for the upcoming Nations League matches, leading to reports that the superstar is considering leaving the national team in protest against Deschamps. With home games against Israel and an away match in Italy rounding off their Nations League group stage next week, it looks like Deschamps will also be battling to keep his position.

Reports from France suggest that national team players have grown 'fed up' with Deschamps and his tactics, and are now advocating for Zidane to step in as his successor, reports the Mirror. The legendary figure was reportedly considered for the Manchester United managerial role before Ruben Amorim took the helm. Zidane has been jobless since departing Real Madrid in 2021, after guiding them to two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues during his two tenures.

The ex-World Cup champion has long expressed interest in the France job and would be a fitting replacement for Deschamps. The current Les Bleus manager's contract extends until the 2026 World Cup, and he received public support from the French Football Federation following Euro 2024.

In addition to his decision to leave out Mbappe, Deschamps was also taken aback by Antoine Griezmann's unexpected retirement from international football in September. Deschamps has led France for 12 years, but his tenure appears to be under serious threat.

"I've had discussions with him, it is a decision that I took for this block of matches only," Deschamps said of the decision to leave Mbappe out of his latest France squad. "Kylian wanted to come."