Kroos backs Zidane to succeed Deschamps

Real Madrid superstar Toni Kroos has backed his former manager Zinedine Zidane to succeed Didier Deschamps, with the France coach considering his future following their World Cup final defeat to Argentina.

Deschamps has refused to confirm whether he will stay on as France manager following his side's heartbreaking defeat on penalties to Argentina.

The 54-year-old has said he needs to speak to the bosses at the French Federation before deciding his next move.

Kroos has claimed Zidane would be the ideal successor for Deschamps should he leave the role.

'I definitely think Zizou would not only be a good successor but the best possible successor,' Kroos said, as quoted by Diario AS.

'The big question is: what does Didier Deschamps want? 

'I'd say there's a 70/30 chance for Zizou to become France's new coach.

'I think he really wants to get back onto the training field.'

Zidane won three consecutive Champions League titles as Real Madrid's head coach

Kroos, who won the World Cup in 2014, played under Zidane during the Frenchman's two spells as Real Madrid manager.

Zidane became the first coach to win three consecutive Champions League titles during his first stint in charge, as well as winning La Liga in 2017.

He resigned in 2018 before returning the following year, guiding Los Blancos to another Spanish title in 2020.

Zidane quit for the second time in 2021 after finishing second in La Liga and is yet to return to the dugout.

The 50-year-old has been repeatedly linked with the French national team job, currently held by former Juventus and international team-mate Deschamps.

Zidane was capped 108 times during his international career and scored twice in France's 3-0 victory in the 1998 World Cup final, with Deschamps lifting the trophy in Paris.

France won the World Cup for the second time in 2018 in Russia, with Deschamps becoming one of a few players to win football's ultimate prize as a player and a manager.

Deschamps, who has been in charge of the French national team since 2012, has admitted he is considering his future after yesterday's defeat.

'Even if we had won, I wouldn't have been able to answer that question tonight,' Deschamps said. 

'Of course, I am very sad for all my players and staff but I will have a meeting with the president at the beginning of next year and then you will find out.'

French Football Federation Noel Le Graet told RMC Sport he wants to meet the 54-year-old 'as soon as possible' to discuss a contract extension.