Marseille rule out Reds’ offer for Deschamps

(GSM) – Olympique Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier believes coach Didier Deschamps will remain at the club next season after rejecting Liverpool’s offer for his manager.

The Reds are still exploring options as they search for a successor to Spaniard Rafael Benitez, whose six-year reign ended earlier this month, Fulham boss Roy Hodgson is the strong favourite to become the next manager but the Marseille president revealed that the Anfield club have approached him for Deschamps.

“It’s true, Liverpool’s executive director Christian Purslow called me Thursday morning. He speaks French very well, is very polite,” Dassier told L’Equipe.

“I was expecting his call because I had heard of Liverpool’s interest in Didier. He asked me if I would allow him to meet Didier and (agent) Jean-Pierre Bernes.

“I replied that I would never forbid anyone from meeting whoever. I also kindly indicated to him that there wasn’t the slightest chance for him to pinch our coach. Even in his dreams.”

The Frenchman has only agreed to stay one more year at the club and his contract runs out at the end of next season.

“With Didier, we have a trusting relationship,” he said.

“I hope he will commit himself to us for another year. I’m not worried. It’s true also that Didier is flattered to see a great European club interested in him,” the 68-year-old Marseillais chief added.

The 41-year-old French international is regarded as one of Europe’s best young managers and helped Marseille to win their first Ligue 1 title in 18 years.