Friday 1 June 2018 14:41, UK
Where will Zinedine Zidane head next after his shock resignation from Real Madrid?
Zidane leaves Madrid on the back of winning a record third successive Champions League title and is likely to be top of the shortlist of any prospective vacancies.
While it remains to be seen whether he will look to take a break or jump straight into another job, we look to Sky Bet odds to see where he will end up next…
Qatar (2/1 with Sky Bet)
There have been reports that the FIFA Golden Ball winner could be lured in by the Qatar national team's significant financial pull, prompting significant backing at Sky Bet. Zidane wouldn't be the first star to venture east, but the move from Real Madrid to Qatar would provide a stark contrast to the familiar surroundings he has been used to. However, after taking the helm at Los Blancos with little managerial experience, Zidane is certainly not averse to a challenge, and could view as this prospect as an opportunity to break into international football without the pressure of the Bernabeu.
Chelsea (4/1 with Sky Bet)
With Antonio Conte seemingly on his way out of Stamford Bridge, perhaps Chelsea might look for a marquee managerial signing, and what bigger appointment than Zidane? Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri is currently odds-on to succeed Conte, but Roman Abramovich might see this as an opportunity to land a proven manager on the biggest of stages. With the 45-year-old yet to play or manage in England, Chelsea could also provide Zidane the option to prove himself in the Premier League.
France (5/1 with Sky Bet)
A move to manage his national team is considered the most likely next move. Their attacking talent and youthful exuberance have provided the country with massive optimism ahead of this summer's World Cup. However, after failing to win the Euros on home soil two years ago, the French Football Federation might consider this summer as Didier Deschamps' last chance at success before looking to alternatives. If the French do opt to change, Zidane presents himself as an ideal candidate to take the helm for his nation, although Arsene Wenger would also be expected to be in contention.
Juventus (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Zidane enjoyed back-to-back Scudettos as a player at Juventus, playing 151 times for the Old Lady, netting 24 times. With Massimiliano Allegri's future in doubt, the board could view the Frenchman as an upgrade to help propel them to European glory. The Italian giants have romped to seven successive Serie A titles but have fallen agonisingly short in the Champions League, losing two of the last four finals, and being beaten by Zidane's Real in the last two campaigns.
Paris St-Germain (6/1 with Sky Bet)
Another club desperate for European success is Paris Saint-Germain, failing to capture their first Champions League crown despite a hefty financial outlay. The Ligue 1 champions have recently installed ex-Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel, but perhaps the draw of a manager of Zidane's calibre might cause them to reconsider their long-term plans.
Manchester United (12/1 with Sky Bet)
With no Premier League title since 2012/13, Manchester United's domestic dominance has slipped considerably since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson. Current boss Jose Mourinho has spent heavily, but the Red Devils have still stuttered in the league and in Europe. Perhaps a club of United's size could tempt Zidane to consider relocating to England should Mourinho's reign come to a premature end.
Other options
Bayern Munich and Tottenham follow in the betting (both 12/1), with Spurs potentially eyeing a swap with their current coach Mauricio Pochettino heading the other way to Madrid, with the Argentine backed in from 8/1 to 2/1 to succeed Zidane. Monaco (16/1) and Liverpool (20/1) and England (25/1) round off the list of lesser likely options.
