Deschamps backs Blanc to fix France
Published 10:41 27/07/10 By Pa Sports
Marseille coach Didier Deschamps has backed former France team-mate Laurent Blanc to get Les Bleus back on track.
Blanc left his post as Bordeaux boss earlier this summer to take over the national-team reins from Raymond Domenech following what turned out to be a shambolic World Cup campaign.
"I am convinced that Laurent Blanc has the human and professional qualities to do a good job," he told France Football.
"The situation is dire. It is a construction site. Laurent Blanc is not David Copperfield.
"He will have the advantage with his name, to command the respect and credibility.
"He is the man for the job. But he cannot do it alone."
Les Bleus managed only one point and one goal from three matches in South Africa and were left in disarray when the squad refused to train two days before their final Group A game against hosts South Africa.
The strike came after Chelsea forward Nicolas Anelka was sent home from the tournament following a heated exchange with Domenech at half-time in the defeat to Mexico.
Deschamps believes the current crop of players should be more appreciative of playing for their country.
"[Playing for France means] being given the duties and obligations - both on and off the field," the 41-year-old said. "This is not a sacrifice. To be there, to hear the Marseillaise... I considered myself a privileged person."
