PARIS (AP) — Didier Deschamps is the new coach of France’s troubled national soccer team.
The French Football Federation announced the appointment on its Web site Sunday after Laurent Blanc turned down a new contract offer last month.
Deschamps quit as Marseille’s coach a week ago despite leading the French club to a league title and a record three straight League Cups.
As a player, Deschamps captained France to victory at the 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championship. He also won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993 and Juventus in 1996.
Four French players face a disciplinary commission for their conduct at the European Championship in which France was knocked out in the quarterfinals. The four are Samir Nasri, Hatem ben Arfa, Yann M’Vila and Jeremy Menez.
