Football
Mark Rodden 8y

Didier Deschamps to stay on as France manager for World Cup campaign

Didier Deschamps is to remain as manager of France for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Frenchman has said.

Deschamps, 47, led the host country to the final of Euro 2016 only to watch his side lose 1-0 against Portugal after extra-time on Sunday.

"Yes, I'm staying," he said. "It was planned that way.

"I am not going to think about myself. I will need time to digest everything.The players are going to start again at their clubs.

"I am going to analyse things with my staff and we will start again on what is waiting for us in two years," he added.

Deschamps faced criticism, largely from abroad, for his team selection and changes against Portugal.

But while accepting that his substitutions did not work in the decider, the bulk of the French media, including influential sports daily L'Equipe, feel that the 1998 World Cup-winning captain had a good tournament.

Deschamps is credited with creating a united team in difficult conditions and one that has progressed since a quarterfinal exit at the 2014 World Cup, when he was also in charge.

The former Monaco and Marseille manager's contract with France runs until the end of the 2018 World Cup.

France travel to Belarus for their opening qualifying match for that competition on September 6. Their qualifying group also includes the Netherlands, Sweden, Bulgaria and Luxembourg.

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