Didier Deschamps has confirmed that he will continue as Monaco coach for two more seasons, ending speculation that he might take over as France manager.

The former France captain, who joined the principality club three seasons ago, has renewed his contract until 2007. There had been suggestions that he would replace Jacques Santini who announced he would step down as France coach at the end of EURO 2004.

Deschamps said Santini’s announcement was “regrettable for the team, the coach and the federation.”

“It’s not going to bring back credibility. Now France must still do well at Euro 2004.”

Reagrding Monaco, Deschamps said his immediate task would be to persuade the club’s leading players such as Giuly and Rothen, to stay.

‘The adventure continues (at Monaco) and we’re going to try to keep a competitive team as well as the players who have been approached like Jerome Rothen and Ludovic Giuly.

“Our great campaign last season must give us the ambition to do even better the next.”