Zinédine Zidane’s hopes of managing Marseille dashed?

As reported by France Bleu Azur in September, Zinédine Zidane has an agreement in place to become Olympique de Marseille manager in the event that the club is sold to Saudi Arabia. However, a declaration from OM’s current owner Frank McCourt has seemingly dashed any hope of the club’s sale any time soon. 

Zidane, who is from the city of Marseille, reportedly had an agreement in place to manage the club, should Saudi Arabia purchase the club. The Ligue 1 club is reportedly a long-term target of the Gulf State, who want to make Les Phocéens “the Newcastle United of France.”

However, Saudi Arabia can only take charge of the club if McCourt is willing to sell, and as he told La Provence on Monday, this is not currently the case. “He (McCourt) will tell you again, he has no interest in seeing the club,” McCourt’s entourage told the local publication. 

Zidane’s arrival at Marseille, at least in the short-term, therefore looks unlikely. OM are currently managed by Gennaro Gattuso, who replaced Marcelino in September. The Italian was brought in to spark a revival after a tough start to the season and should he lead the club to the Champions League next season, he will trigger an extension that would allow him to remain at the club. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle