Marseille boss Didier Deschamps has revealed he had "a long discussion" with Liverpool during the summer regarding the possibility of replacing Rafael Benitez at Anfield.
Deschamps, who led Marseille to the French title last season, made the admission at the pre-match press conference on the eve of Tuesday night's Champions League clash with his old club Chelsea.
"I was very proud a club like Liverpool were interested in me," the former France captain said.
"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."
Deschamps insists the Reds' interest was firm.
"We had a long discussion," he said.