In a surprising development, Didier Deschamps has agreed to take charge of the France national team.

 

The country’s football federation had been searching for a new boss since parting company with Laurent Blanc after Euro 2012, but their initial efforts to convince Deschamps to take charge were believed to have come to nothing.

 

However, renewed talks have resulted in a breakthrough and the former Marseille coach has signed a two-year contract which will take Les Bleus up to and including the 2014 World Cup.

 

Deschamps’ contract has a clause which means it can be extended to run until the 2016 European Championship, which France are due to host.

 

"Noel Le Graet, President of the FFF and Didier Deschamps have finalised their discussions and reached an agreement for Mr Deschamps to become coach of the France team", read a statement issued by the French Football Federation.

 

Deschamps had been planning to take a year out of coaching after leaving his post as Marseille boss recently.

 

Latest Features: