Didier Deschamps admits that his Marseille side is in need of renewal if they are to retain their title.
The French outfit won the Ligue 1 crown last term for the first time in 18 years, but made the worst possible start to the new campaign on Saturday as they lost 2-1 against newly-promoted Caen.
In the wake of that result, Deschamps admits he needs to strengthen if Marseille are to emulate last season’s achievements.
“We are missing something on a technical and desire level,” he said.
“I am convinced that the team needs reinforcement, but I don’t hold the purse strings.
“If we can’t bring anybody in, I will do the best with this group. I am just the coach, I work purely on the sporting level.”
Reports in France have suggested that Deschamps may now be willing to cash-in on star striker Mamadou Niang in order to raise funds.
However, the World Cup winner claims he has no plans to part with his Senegalese striker.
“I don’t want to replace Niang,” he said.
“I am looking for someone to play with him and there are three steps we need to negotiate.
“First we must find a player, then he must agree to come, then we have to reach an agreement with his club.
“At the moment we are on the third step.”
