After years of underachieving under the likes of Raymond Domenech and Laurent Blanc, France have certainly made substantial progress under the management of Didier Deschamps.
The former Monaco manager helped France reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup 2014. This was seen as a huge improvement compared to the failure of getting beyond the group stage in the previous edition. France also could only muster a quarter-final finish in the Euro 2012 under Laurent Blanc. Due to this excellent 2014,Deschamps’ stock has risen in various quarters and there are several clubs trying to get him back to club football.
Deschamps, though, has revealed that he does not have any plans to return to play football at the moment. He has even went as far as saying that he would like to extend his contract with the French national team. His current deal is set to expire after Euro 2016.
After having been a national team manager since 2012,Deschamps would have been set for a return to club football. He has revealed his ambition to continue as the French national team boss even after the Euro 2016. France will be hosting the tournament and hence have not been involved in any qualification campaign. They have managed three wins in the last five friendly matches.
“Absolutely [extending the contract with the French national team].Noel Le Graet (The French Football Federation boss) wants that, and I want it too. This is totally clear and we both fully agree on that matter.We have already discussed this and will continue to do so. He (Le Graet) wants me to carry on (beyond the finals),” saidDeschamps. Yet more friendly matches are set to be scheduled for France in the coming months. They will be taking on Brazil in a friendly match towards the end of March.