Deschamps keen on new recruits

(GSM) – Didier Deschamps has admitted that his Olympique Marseille side would need fresh faces if they are to retain their title.

After a 18 year wait, the French giants swept to the Ligue 1 crown last term, but the defending champions made the worst possible start to the new campaign on Saturday as they crashed 2-1 against newly-promoted Caen.

In the wake of that disappointing result, Deschamps admits he needs to strengthen if he is to keep Marseille in front of their rivals.

“We are missing something on a technical and desire level,” he said.

“I am convinced that the team needs reinforcement, but I don’t hold the purse strings.

“If we can’t bring anybody in, I will do the best with this group. I am just the coach, I work purely on the sporting level.”

Reports in France have suggested that Deschamps is willing to cash-in on star striker Mamadou Niang in order to generate funds.

However, the World Cup winner claims he has no plans to part with his Senegalese striker.

Instead, the Marseille manager insists he is closing in on a proven goalscorer to play alongside his captain.

“I don’t want to replace Niang,” he said.

“I am looking for someone to play with him and there are three steps we need to negotiate.

“First we must find a player, then he must agree to come, then we have to reach an agreement with his club.

“At the moment we are on the third step.”