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Neil Banerjee

Zinedine Zidane urged to take over at Juventus as legendary AC Milan boss hails Frenchman for creating 'a machine of beauty' at Real Madrid

AC Milan legend Arrigo Sacchi has publicly urged Zinedine Zidane to take over as Juventus head coach. Sacchi hailed Zidane for creating a "machine of beauty" at Real Madrid, emphasising the Frenchman’s ability to combine attacking football with a winning mentality. With Juventus currently undergoing a major sporting renewal, Sacchi believes Zidane's tactical balance and deep connection to the club make the reunion a perfect fit.

  • Zidane and Juventus: A reunion that makes sense

    Sacchi, the revered former AC Milan and Italy coach known for revolutionising modern football with his innovative tactics, has expressed his desire to see Zidane return to his old club Juventus, this time as head coach. Despite Zidane wanting to manage Les Blues in the future, the former Italian coach remains optimistic for a reunion.

    For Sacchi, the idea isn’t rooted in nostalgia but in footballing logic. Zidane’s connection with Juventus runs deep: five years in Turin as a player, two Serie A titles, and the foundation of his world-class career under Marcello Lippi. Now, with Juve entering a new phase under general manager Damien Comolli and in need of both identity and inspiration, Sacchi suggests the Frenchman’s profile aligns perfectly with what the club seeks.

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    Sacchi’s wants Zidane to replicate Madrid success with Juventus

    Sacchi's admiration for Zidane was clear while he explained how he is a good fit for the managerial position at Juve.

    "His Real Madrid played an attacking game, showed courage, kept possession of the ball most of the time, dominated the opponent through a dense network of passes and the fans admired him. I ask myself: why isn't a coach who created such a machine of beauty working?," Sacchi said in a column for Gazzetta dello Sport.

    The former Milan coach further added: "I confess I have hope. He was a great Juventus player, he became a champion in the black and white jersey, he had a maestro like Marcello Lippi as his coaching mentor, so why not imagine him on the Juventus bench? Someone like him, someone who always put attacking football first, someone who believes in team play and talent at the service of the team. Our championship could only benefit from his presence."

  • How Zidane redefined success at Madrid

    Zidane’s coaching career remains one of the most remarkable in modern football. After a brief spell with Real Madrid Castilla, he was appointed first-team coach in January 2016. Within months, he delivered the Champions League title, becoming only the second man in Los Blanco’s history to win it both as a player and a coach.

    What followed was an unprecedented period of dominance - three consecutive Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018), two La Liga triumphs, two UEFA Super Cups, two Club World Cups and two Supercopa de Espana crowns. His record stands as one of the most decorated managerial runs in modern football: 11 trophies in just five seasons, including a historic 35-match unbeaten run.

    Since leaving Madrid in 2021, Zdane has reportedly turned down multiple managerial offers, including from Paris Saint-Germain and several Premier League clubs.

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    Where will Zidane end up?

    Zidane admitted recently that he does not know why he has not yet stepped into the Juventus hot seat as he prepares to make his return to management. It is not yet known if a Serie A return is on the cards, however, with many reports suggesting he will replace Didier Deschamps as France coach after the World Cup.