Football: Deschamps to be France boss, say Reports

PARIS: Former France captain Didier Deschamps is set to become the national team’s new manager after agreeing terms with the French Football Federation (FFF), according to reports. Talks between Deschamps and FFT officials started after Laurent Blanc’s decision to step down from the post following two years in charge after being unable to reach an agreement with FFF president Noel Le Graet on a new contract. Deschamps became increasingly linked as a candidate to fill the vacancy after quitting his position as coach of Marseille last Monday. Should the FFF appoint Deschamps, his first match would come against Copa America champions Uruguay on August 15 at Le Havre. France then start their 2014 World Cup qualifying campaign on September 7 against Finland in a group that also contains defending champions Spain.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 9^th, 2012.