Deschamps signs new France deal until 2018

Deschamps signs new France deal until 2018

Didier Deschamps has extended his contract as France coach until the 2018 World Cup in Russia, French football federation (FFF) president Noel Le Graet confirmed on Thursday.

France national coach Didier Deschamps has extended his contract until the 2018 World Cup

The 46-year-old - who captained France to the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 trophies - was appointed after the 2012 European championships.

Deschamps went on to transform France's fortunes with a 3-0 victory against Ukraine that overturned a 2-0 first-leg deficit in the decisive play-off to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.

After helping France qualify for Brazil Deschamps was rewarded with a new deal until after Euro 2016 to be hosted by France.

"The priority for the moment remains Euro 2016 with an even more precise objective which is the Bleus' first Euro match, the opening match on June 10," said Deschamps.

"But it's a pleasure to be able to continue this adventure at the head of the France team."

"Stability is important," he added.

"For the players, it reinforces the idea of a squad.

"Of course though it's the results that count above all else, and we'll do everything to ensure the results are what we're looking for at Euro 2016."

Les Bleus' promising World Cup adventure came to an end in Brazil with a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Germany, although the positive attitude of the players after the debacle of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa earned the coach further plaudits.

"For me the Bleus' World Cup in Brazil was more or less a success," said Le Graet.

"I saw how Didier Deschamps organised the functioning of the team in Brazil and this experience will be of use in Russia.

"It's vital to have stability. We both have the same desire."

Deschamps had indicated he was "very happy" in his coaching role and was interested in continuing a job which "suits me very well".

"Noel Le Graet wants it and so do I, so it's clear, the desire is shared (to extend)," Deschamps told AFP in December.

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