PARIS (AP) — Didier Deschamps quit as coach of Marseille, bolstering expectations that he will replace Laurent Blanc as head of France’s national team.
Marseille said in a statement Monday that the club and Deschamps “decided in a joint agreement not to pursue their collaboration for the 2012-2013 season.”
Deschamps, the 1998 World Cup-winning captain, is considered the favorite to take over from Blanc, who turned down a new contract offer.
Blanc stepped down on Saturday after Les Bleus were eliminated in the quarterfinals of the European Championship and players bickered with each other.
The French Football Federation is expected to make an announcement after its executive committee meets Tuesday.
