Philippe Troussier, who coached cohost Japan to the second round of the World Cup finals, has declared himself a candidate for the job of French national team manager.
Troussier said in an interview with the L'equipe sports daily that he is "among the candidates in case changes are made" at the helm of the French national side, adding he may return as Japan coach at the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
Troussier, whose contract with the Japan Football Association expired at the end of the cohosts' World Cup campaign, said it is a "great honor" for him to be cited as a candidate for the France job.
The Frenchman added he prefers to coach a national side, saying, "I don't feel like going to a club."
Troussier was linked with French club Olympique Marseille before the World Cup finals.
French soccer officials are expected to announce a decision on the future of national coach Roger Lemerre on Friday.