Zinedine Zidane will return 'very zoon' after making feelings clear on Liverpool

After Wednesday’s defeat, it’s clear Arne Slot is under significant pressure at Liverpool.

The Reds were humbled 4-1 by PSV Eindhoven at Anfield, making it eight defeats in their last 11 games and three consecutive losses by a margin of three goals. That’s a terrible run for any team to endure, let alone Liverpool, the reigning Premier League champion.

Slot is unlikely to be fired before the weekend; last season’s Premier League title triumph has given him some much-needed extra time on Merseyside. Yet the Dutchman’s team must start winning again, starting against struggling West Ham in London on Saturday.

If Liverpool loses to the Hammers, then Fenway Sports Group may have a decision to make. The bookies are already preparing their shortlist for the next manager, with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Jurgen Klopp, Oliver Glasner, and Andoni Iraola all being mentioned.

Yet one outside candidate knows a thing or two about playing Liverpool: Zinedine Zidane.

The legendary French soccer player has become the forgotten man in management after leading Real Madrid to two La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Spanish Super Cups, two European Super Cups, and two Club World Cups across two spells.

Zidane knows a thing or two about winning the Champions League

Zidane knows a thing or two about winning the Champions League -Credit:Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images

His biggest achievement was winning those three European Cups on the bounce; he’s the only manager to ever achieve that. The third of those triumphs came against a Liverpool team featuring Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah in the 2018 final.

Ever since Zidane left Madrid for the second time in 2021, fans have been wondering when he’ll make his comeback. “It will happen soon,” Zidane told reporters earlier this month, as quoted by Sport Bible. “Very soon.”

Could Zidane replace Slot at Liverpool?

Zidane’s comeback may leave some Liverpool fans excited. After all, the Frenchman was very complimentary of the Reds back in 2021.

“They’re a complete team,” he said. “Some people will mention the three forwards, and it’s true that they’re really good, but I think they’re a strong, solid unit. I’d rather focus on the team. After that, yes, the three forwards are really efficient. We’ll have to be alert.”

Yet it’s unlikely Zidane will be appointed by Liverpool if Slot is fired or resigns. That’s because the iconic midfielder is expected to wait for Didier Deschamps to vacate the France job after next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“I’d like to be the head coach of the France team one day,” added Zidane. “I will surely return to coaching.”

Zidane’s former France teammate, Thierry Henry, has also confirmed that the former Madrid boss is holding out for the France job. The Arsenal legend revealed all to CBS Sports last year when asked if Zidane would be interested in the Juventus role.

Henry said: “I’m not going to go there, I think he is waiting for the national team. So I’m not going to go there. I don’t think he will go there [Juventus]. I think he is waiting for one thing and one thing only, and that’s the national team.

“You won three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, why are you going to bother with other clubs when you can have the national team? I wouldn’t.”

After such a dismal run of form, Slot’s future at Liverpool is now looking uncertain. Just don’t expect Zidane to replace him at Anfield.

Zinedine Zidane will return ‘very zoon’ after making feelings clear on Liverpool

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