Real Madrid News
France football makes move to secure top manager amid Real Madrid interest
The future of Zinedine Zidane will be one of the key monitorables in 2026. The Frenchman, despite being regarded as one of the sought-after managers in world football, has remained a free agent since leaving Real Madrid for the second time in 2021.
It is widely believed that Zidane had been waiting to take over the reins from Didier Deschamps to become the coach of the French national team – his dream job.
After a wait of five years, Zidane’s dream could turn into a reality, with Deschamps expected to step down after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
France football makes a move
However, Zidane has also been a subject of interest for Real Madrid, who are desperately looking for a new coach after the dismissal of Xabi Alonso.
Although the club have hired Alvaro Arbeloa on an interim basis, it is no secret that president Florentino Perez has identified Zidane as his dream option.
Keeping that in mind, France football appears to have made the first move to try and secure the services of Zidane, according to L’Equipe.
The French news outlet quotes Philippe Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, who confirmed that finding a successor for Deschamps is the utmost priority.
The report adds that French football has already started the onboarding process of Zidane, notably by discussing his future staff with the French national team.
This will come as a blow to Real Madrid, who were keen on having Zidane lead the new era at Los Blancos.
But after waiting for five years, it is unlikely Zidane will entertain the offer from Real Madrid and looks likely to replace Deschamps after the World Cup.
Real Madrid News
Mourinho considering starting 23-year-old Real Madrid ace against Villarreal – report
After impressing during the international break, Eduardo Camavinga has a major opportunity to establish himself in Real Madrid’s midfield rotation.
Indeed, according to Defensa Central, Jose Mourinho is considering starting the Frenchman against Villarreal, with injuries and doubts over several players limiting his options.
Real Madrid cannot afford to drop points against Villarreal if they want to remain in the title race. However, Mourinho has issues to deal with in the squad, which could lead him to turn to Camavinga for a crucial role.
Camavinga could replace Tchouameni in midfield
The 23-year-old star could line up as the defensive midfielder in the double pivot, with Bernardo Silva or Arda Guler alongside him, and will be tasked with providing balance in midfield.
Real Madrid face Villarreal with several problems in central defence. Ibrahima Konate is expected to be a late call, leading Mourinho to consider moving Aurelien Tchouameni into defence alongside Antonio Rudiger.
Meanwhile, Federico Valverde could also struggle to be ready after the ankle injury he sustained in the derby before the international break.
The Uruguayan has continued to work individually away from the group and might return to group training tomorrow. Even then, his readiness to start remains in question.
That would leave a place open in midfield, with Camavinga in line to fill in.
Camavinga impressed during the international break
Camavinga has started only one match this season, the defeat against Real Betis.
Despite his limited opportunities, Mourinho is keen to bring the Frenchman back into the fold after he impressed for France during the international break.
Zinedine Zidane called the Real Madrid star up for his first France squad, and the midfielder performed well during the break.
That has given Mourinho and Real Madrid reason to be optimistic about using him against Villarreal, with the hope that he can move closer to the level he showed after first arriving at the club.
Therefore, the Villarreal match could represent an important test for Camavinga and a chance for the Frenchman to show that he can provide the balance Real Madrid need in midfield.
