Zinedine Zidane ‘set to be named France manager after World Cup’ to replace Didier Deschamps

ZINEDINE ZIDANE will “lead”; France after the World Cup, replacing boss Didier Deschamps, according to reports.

The iconic Frenchman, 50, has been out of a job since his departure from Real Madrid last year.

He has been linked with a number of top jobs but the three-time Champions League-winning manager has turned those offers down.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have been linked in the past.

However, Zidane has waited “for whatever the French team”; needed and according to esRadio’s World Cup in Qatar.

The ex-Real boss will replace Deschamps after the tournament.

In June this year, Zidane claimed he was “not finished with Les Bleus”;, publicly stating his intention to manage France.

He told French newspaper L’Equipe: “I’m not finished with Les Bleus.

“I want to do it, of course. I will be [France coach], I hope, one day. When? That’s not up to me.

“But I want to come full circle with the French national team.

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“I met this French team as a player. And it’s the best thing that ever happened to me!

“But really! It is the peak. So, since I went through that and now I am a coach, the French team is firmly anchored in my head.

“Succeed Deschamps? I don’t know. If it has to be done, it will be done, at that time or not.

“When I say I want to take charge of the French national team one day, I’m assuming.

“Currently, a team has been created. With their goals. But if the opportunity comes later, I will be there. Again, it’s not up to me.

“My deepest desire is there. The French national team is the most beautiful thing there is.”;

France kick off their World Cup campaign on November 22 against Australia.

A tough fixture against dark horses Denmark will follow before closing the group against Tunisia.

Should they then make the knockouts, France will hope to defend their World Cup 2018 crown.