Former France manager Didier Deschamps has spoken about Liverpool approaching him in 2010 to become their manager but he chose to remain loyal to Marseille
Didier Deschamps
Didier Deschamps is now manager of France(Image: Photo by Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Liverpool have suffered through a torrid spell this season with a series of defeats in both Europe and the Premier League. Things took a turn for the worse when they succumbed to a surprising 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, with pressure increasing on Arne Slot.
The former Feyenoord manager began his time on Merseyside in perfect fashion, securing the Premier League title in his debut campaign, though many supporters would contend he had taken over a championship-winning Jurgen Klopp squad and the side were merely continuing the momentum of the German's achievements.
Following an outlay of £446 million during the summer transfer window on players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, the Reds had begun the campaign strongly, securing victory in their opening five matches.
Yet, their season has deteriorated since then and the pressure is genuinely beginning to mount on Slot with some already indicating he could face dismissal before the campaign concludes.
Looking back 15 years and former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was facing comparable pressure and ultimately departed after six years in charge. The Anfield club had endured a particularly disappointing run, finishing seventh and failing to qualify for Champions League football.
One candidate mentioned in the frame before Roy Hodgson's appointment was Didier Deschamps.
Didier Deschamps and his players
Didier Deschamps and his French players
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"I was very proud a club like Liverpool were interested in me," said Deschamps. "But the timing was not good.
"I was engaged with Marseille, the players and the fans, and I could not leave them two days before the restart for pre-season. I was extremely pleased and happy but I decided to stay and continue my adventure with Marseille.
"We had a long discussion."
The former Juventus and Monaco boss had arrived at Marseille in 2009 and had just steered the club to their first Ligue 1 championship in 18 years when Liverpool came calling.
As a player, he skippered France to triumph at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. In the time after this speculation was confirmed to be genuine, Deschamps departed Marseille in 2012 to take charge of his country, a position he has held for the past 13 years.
In early 2025, he announced that he would be stepping down as national team manager following the 2026 World Cup. Zinedine Zidane has been heavily linked as his possible successor.
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