Deschamps quits Marseille hotseat

PARIS: Didier Deschamps chances of succeeding Laurent Blanc as France coach increased immeasurably yesterday as it was confirmed he would be quitting as Marseille handler.
The 44-year-old - who captained France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 titles - had asked Marseille to be released from his post on May 23 - though he still had two years left on his contract.
His initial request to leave had nothing to do with the France post as Blanc was in charge and France were considered live candidates for the Euro 2012 title - however they bowed out in the quarter-finals and Blanc announced on Saturday he would not accept a new contract.
Deschamps quickly became the bookies favorite to take over Les Bleus.
“Olympique Marseille and Didier Deschamps have finally reached a common agreement not to pursue their relationship for the 2012/13 season,” read a statement from the club.
“Didier Deschamps met with the directors of the club on May 23 to prepare for next season. Mr.Didier Deschamps made it known at that meeting that he wished to leave OM, both parties then entered discussions over the conditions of his departure.
“Olympique Marseille would like to thank Didier Deschamps for the work he has achieved here in the three years and wishes him well in the future.”
Deschamps, who has been approached through an intermediary his Marseille assistant Guy Stephan by French Football Federation president Noel Le Graet over succeeding Blanc, won six trophies in his spell with his former club, whom he had captained to the 1993 European Cup title.