Al-Nassr eyeing Zidane as new coach, reports Marca

Al-Nassr could be set for a sensational swoop for Zinedine Zidane to replace departed coach Rudi Garcia, according to reports from Spanish sports daily Marca.

The report says that the three-time Champions League-winning French coach, one of the most successful managers in the world, would be in line to pocket almost $132 million for a two-year contract with the Riyadh giants.

Earlier, the publication had referred to a report by American broadcasters CBS Sports that claimed Zidane is Cristiano Ronaldo’s preferred choice as new coach at Al-Nassr.

The Portuguese international, who made the move to Riyadh in December, and Zidane enjoyed a successful partnership during the latter’s reign as coach at the Bernabeu from 2016 until 2018.

Other big-name coaches linked with the Al-Nassr job include Ronaldo’s compatriot and former Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United coach Jose Mourinho.

Garcia was sacked last week following inconsistent performances and rumors of dressing room unrest at Al-Nassr, with some of the senior players, including Ronaldo, believed to be unhappy with the French coach’s methods.

Al-Nassr were second in the Roshn Saudi League table, only three points behind leaders Al-Ittihad when Garcia was let go following a 0-0 draw with Feiha.

Interim coach Dinko Jelicic is set to take over coaching duties for the key Riyadh derby against Al-Hilal on Tuesday night.