Job swap in prospect as France and Marseille bosses leave posts
Published:With disappointment the overwhelming emotion emanating from France’s Euro 2012 performance, Laurent Blanc has resigned from his position as national team manager.
Blanc steered his side to the quarter-finals of the competition, but a 22-game unbeaten run heading into the tournament saw expectations soar, and many expected progression to a later stage.
Such lofty expectations has led to the France post being labelled a ‘poisoned chalice’ over the past few years, as five managers have led the nation since 2002.
That hasn’t seemed to deter Didier Deschamps though, who would now appear to be primed to fulfil the role after quitting his job at Olympique Marseille recently.
The 43-year-old had long expressed a desire to exit the club after three years in charge, and having recently completed that milestone, his plans came to fruition.
“Didier Deschamps’ resignation was received on May 23 by club officials to prepare for the 2012-2013 season,” an official club statement read.
“Deschamps stated his desire to leave OM and the terms of his departure were considered.”
It is thought that Deschamps, a former French captain who won 103 international caps as a player, has long held ambitions to manage his country, with the realisation of his dream seemingly edging closer.
Believed to be the only other serious contender for the vacancy, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger’s admittance that he has no interest in the job is also encouraging for Deschamps.
Meanwhile, there have been suggestions that Blanc could be set for an instant return to management, by taking over from the outgoing Deschamps at Marseille.
The pair were World Cup-winning team-mates in 1998, and could swap jobs in an ironic twist, as the former Manchester United defender may be set to return to the day-to-day rigours of club management.
Blanc had been linked with the vacant managerial role at Tottenham, but with Andres Villas-Boas thought to be all but confirmed at White Hart Lane, a return to Ligue 1 could be on the cards for the former Bordeaux chief.
