FORMER Real Madrid midfielder Michel says Zinedine Zidane is already being prepared as the next head coach at Santiago Bernabeu.
Michel, who made more than 400 appearances for Madrid during his playing career, was sacked as Olympiakos boss earlier this season and has been questioned in the past about a possible return to the current European champions.
However, the 51-year-old believes Zidane, the current coach of the Madrid Castilla side, is the club’s clear favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti in future.
He told Elite Sport: “I won’t be the next candidate. It’s not that I don’t feel qualified, nor that I’d not want it, but it doesn’t depend on me or results. Plus, I think the club is preparing for Zidane to be the next coach.”
Michel is confident that Ancelotti is the right man to lead Madrid for the time being, however, adding: “Ancelotti is an ideal coach for Madrid. He doesn’t want to be the protagonist. He moves very well in these waters.”
Lastly, the former Spain international admitted it was a bitter blow to leave Olympiakos after leading the club to back-to-back Greek Super League titles.
“The president, as club owner, took the decision and I have to accept it. It hurts not to have finished my work,” he added.
“I think I’ve done well in the last two years, but I have to accept what comes.”