Deschamps backs Zidane as future France coach

NICE, France - Didier Deschamps, head coach of France, has backed former teammate Zinedine Zidane to step into his shoes "one day", only hours after the latter's shock decision to quit as coach of Real Madrid.

Deschamps, however, played down suggestions that Zidane's decision had heaped more pressure on his shoulders ahead of the World Cup.

"He will be coach of France, one day. It will happen when it happens," said Deschamps, who captained France to a World Cup triumph in 1998 and at Euro 2000 when Zidane was an integral part of Les Bleus' midfield.