Turkish Super Lig outfit Antalyaspor are said to be keen on handing Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane his first managerial role.
The iconic former France playmaker is currently part of the staff at the Bernabeu, and has been tipped as a potential successor for Rafael Benitez when the ex-Liverpool coach’s current unhappy spell in the Spanish capital come to an end [Marca via Daily Mail].
However, Antalyaspor appear keen to offer Zidane a slightly different route to the top, and are keen to appoint him following the relegation of Yusuf Simsek [via Fanatik].
The Turkish side have demonstrated their ambition in recent weeks and months, having signed former Chelsea and Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o during the offseason, with the Cameroon frontman hitting the ground running in the Super Lig. The 34-year-old has scored 13 goals in 15 outings so far this season.
The club attempted to sign Manchester United keeper Victor Valdes [ESPN] and another iconic playmaker, Ronaldinho [also ESPN], during the offseason.
While Zidane may be tempted to take the reins at a Turkish side—much like his former teammate Roberto Carlos as he began his career at Sivasspor—but it remains to be seen whether Antalyaspor is a big enough stage for one of the game’s most recognisable figures.
He may instead take a leaf out of Valencia boss Gary Neville’s book and wait for one of Europe’s prestigious jobs to become available as he looks to learn his trade before taking over at the club with which he is most readily associated.
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