90min

Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola & Mauricio Pochettino Frontrunners for Juventus Job

By Ross Jackson

Both Zidane and Guardiola are said to be on Juve's wishlist
Both Zidane and Guardiola are said to be on Juve's wishlist / Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
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Juventus are already understood to have drawn up a shortlist for their vacant managerial position, with Zinedine Zidane, Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino all said to be potential candidates.

I Bianconeri are on the hunt for a new boss having confirmed the departure of Maurizio Sarri after just one season in Turin.

Juve are said to be aware Guardiola will opt to stay at City
Juve are said to be aware Guardiola will opt to stay at City / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

The announcement came less than 24 hours after the Turin giants were dumped out of the Champions League at the hands of Lyon, with the French side emerging victorious from their last 16 two-legged tie on away goals.

The Juve hierarchy have wasted no time in outlining possible replacements for the former Chelsea man, with Guardiola, Zidane and Pochettino all in the running.

Speculation regarding Zidane’s future at Real Madrid has surfaced following Los Blancos’ failure to overcome Manchester City in their own Round of 16 tie.

After the defeat Zidane was asked in his post-match interview whether he would remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for the 2020/21 season, though the Frenchman remained coy on his future, replying: “We will see what happens next season. Now it’s time to rest, I’m here and I’m the Real Madrid manager until something happens.”

MailOnline Sport report that former Juventus player Zidane has been pinpointed as their number one target, with Juve chief Andrea Agnelli and star man Cristiano Ronaldo desperate to lure the Madrid boss to Turin.

However, the Telegraph claim the Old Lady have in fact outlined Manchester City boss Guardiola as their main man - though they concede any advances they make towards the Catalan tactician are likely to be rebuffed.

Should that be the case, Pochettino would be their primary target, with both Simone Inzaghi and Max Allegri also of interest.

Pochettino has been out of management since his sacking at Spurs in November 2019
Pochettino has been out of management since his sacking at Spurs in November 2019 / IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

Former Tottenham boss Pochettino has made no secret of his desire to return to Premier League management since being sacked by Spurs in November 2019, however, he admitted this week he would be open to offers from La Liga and Serie A.

The Argentinian manager has strong connections to the city of Turin, having been named an honorary citizen of the Italian town of Virle Piemonte (located just 30 miles away from the Allianz Stadium) while his great, great grandfather was born in said town.

While Juventus’ search for a new boss is of course in its infancy, it seems apparent that Pochettino is a wanted man should the club choose not to pursue their interest in Zidane or Guardiola.