What are the chances of Zinedine Zidane returning to Juventus?

“Andrea has always shouldered a great deal of responsibility and pressure during his playing career and this is no different,” uttered Juventus Chief Football Officer Fabio Paratici in what proved a stout defence of the club during an interview with Sky Italia (via Football Italia).

Paratici’s reassuring words regarding Andrea Pirlo’s job security arrived before the Bianconeri embarked on a paramount two-game winning ‘streak’ to mitigate fears of the club slipping into the Europa League and Pirlo enduring a premature firing.

An imperative victory over Napoli proved the stabiliser, with Juve’s new-found attacking fluency continuing into the 3-1 triumph over Genoa last Sunday.

However, while back-to-back victories have steadied the ship and cooled Pirlo’s once scorching hot seat, Juve’s capricious campaign thus far – which includes an embarrassing European elimination and the surrendering of their Calcio monopoly to the man that kick-started it all – mean Pirlo’s current position is one of distinct volatility.

Another huge test manifests itself in the form of Gian Piero Gasperini’s entertainers on Sunday afternoon. A result of any kind against Atalanta will put the Bianconeri in a fairly strong position to claim a top-four spot, an ‘achievement’ which, you feel, is an undoubted necessity for Pirlo if he wants to retain his position for 2021/22. Especially with Zinedine Zidane’s recent tease of a Bianconeri reunion 20 years after he departed for Real Madrid as a genius midfielder.

For the self-aggrandising, replete with pride Juve board, could the temptation of a perennial champion prove overriding should he become available in the summer? Even if Juve finish the campaign with two pieces of silverware and a top-four finish in Pirlo’s maiden campaign of senior management?

Why have the Zidane links emerged?

It was all Zizou’s doing, this, assisted by the folk at Sky Italia.

After overseeing Real Madrid’s 3-1 first-leg victory over Liverpool in their eventual Champions League quarter-final triumph, Zidane said: “And here is the joke about Italy: It is always in my heart, Juventus has always been important for me, I spent five years in Turin.

“If you will see me again in Italy as a coach in the future? I don’t know, I’m here for now. Let’s see,” before concluding with a cheeky grin that got the people talking.

Oh, Zizou. You tease.

What’s Zidane’s current situation in Madrid?

Entrenched in ambiguity.

There was a period earlier in the season, you know when Real made a habit of losing to Shakhtar Donetsk and they simply didn’t look very good… at all, when the Frenchman was seen in many quarters as the erroneous leader of Los Blancos’ next generation of talent.

A tough start to the campaign, however, has swiftly evolved into a potentially prosperous one, with the criminally underrated Zidane’s shrewd tactical nous, distinct adaptability and astute squad usage facilitating Real’s resurgence in 2021. They’re now in a great position to snatch a once-unthinkable La Liga and Champions League double.

But, no matter how the season finishes in the Spanish capital, Zidane’s position beyond the summer remains unknown. Florentino Perez may pursue a modern-day ideologue to spearhead Real’s new era should the club end the season trophyless, or the French boss may opt to walk away on his own terms should Real’s season conclude in glory – just like he did in 2018.

Thus, as I said, it’s an ambiguous situation, to say the least.

Should Juve pursue Zidane?

If Juve falter in their remaining fixtures this term and Zidane becomes available in the summer, the Bianconeri board would be wise to pursue the Frenchman if they feel a change of management is required.

While Zidane doesn’t typify the archetypal “modern-day manager” – whatever that is – he’s certainly proven himself as one of the finest coaches in the sport, even if many are yet to acknowledge his subtle brilliance. Through his pragmatic edge and willingness to adapt, Real have emerged as the masters of the big occasion.

Zidane’s trophy-haul and El Clasico record – losing just two in 11 – speak for themselves.

Gone are the days of the exuberant midfield diamond of 2016/17 that culminated in a Champions League final victory over Massimiliano Allegri’s Juve. Zidane’s Real have evolved into a unit defined by the control they exude due to the technical brilliance of their midfield, as well as their shrewdness out of possession, which is much of Zidane’s doing. Some of his most impressive managerial work has arrived in recent weeks.

Regarding Juve, I like Zidane’s chances of maximising the potential of a youthful Bianconeri considering what he’s done with an injury-ravaged Real this term. That’s no slight on Pirlo, I think he’s done a fine job considering his inexperience and the profile of the Juve squad.

If the Juve hierarchy are still incessant on the absence of their transition phase and remain keen on conquering Europe while Cristiano Ronaldo remains on their books, then Zidane may well be the optimal appointment.

While perhaps not a fairytale as such, there’s no denying that the return of Zinedine Zidane in Turin would be pretty special.