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The successful former Bleus coach is confident that the former Juventus and Valencia midfielder will be a strong leader, if he decides to take the reins

Michel Hidalgo believes Didier Deschamps is the right man to get France back on track following Laurent Blanc's departure.

Blanc quit in the wake of the quarter-final defeat by Spain at Euro 2012, and Deschamps has been heavily linked with the role, despite initial claims that he had rejected the French Football Federation's proposal.

"Didier was probably a little tired after a long season with Olympique de Marseille," Hidalgo told RMC.

"Now he has rested, I think he will accept taking over because it is a nice thing for him at a relatively young age, as well as for the national team."

The World Cup and European Championship winner appears to be the only candidate to succeed Blanc after quitting Marseille at the end of last season, and Hidalgo is confident that he has the credentials to lead off the field, too.

"The French Federation president, Noel Le Graet, is seeking re-election in December and he needs a strong man by his side to get re-elected.

"Didier Deschamps has that ability. He is qualified enough. His past as a player and manager speaks volumes."

Hidalgo, 79, won a single cap with Les Bleus in 1962, but is most famous for coaching the country to their first major trophy in 1984, when they won the European Championship.



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