Zinedine Zidane, the legendary French football manager and former Real Madrid coach, has shed light on why he has not taken up the reins at Manchester United, despite being linked with the club multiple times.
In an interview with L’Equipe, Zidane revealed that the language barrier is a significant factor in his reluctance to manage a Premier League team. While he understands English, Zidane admitted he doesn’t feel fluent enough to communicate effectively in an English-speaking environment, which he considers essential for his coaching style.
“I understand English, but I’m not completely fluent in it,” Zidane said. “There are coaches who go to clubs without speaking the language, but I work in a different way.”
The 52-year-old further emphasized that multiple elements must align for him to take on a managerial role, with language playing a crucial part. “Many elements come into play in order to win; it is a global context. I know what I need to win,” he added.
Since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane has turned down several prestigious offers, including roles from Bayern Munich and various national teams. While he is open to returning to management if the right opportunity arises, it appears unlikely that Manchester United will be his destination.
