Laurent Blanc to take France job

[Shaggy]

World Cup winner Laurent Blanc will quit as Bordeaux coach and replace Raymond Domenech as manager of France after this summer's World Cup.

The 44-year-old former Manchester United defender guided Bordeaux to the 2009 League and Cup Double but his side ended this season without a trophy.

The French federation is expected to officially confirm Blanc as Domenech's successor on Thursday.

Blanc was part of the France team that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.

Bordeaux said in a statement: "Girondins Bordeaux have been informed by Laurent Blanc that he wanted to answer favourably to the French federation (FFF)'s solicitation to become the France coach.

"Girondins Bordeaux expect to hear from the FFF on the question of the compensation linked to the release of their coach."

Blanc had a successful career as a centre-back at Barcelona, Marseille and Inter Milan.

But, after success as a manager with Bordeaux in 2009, his side finished sixth in the league this season and were knocked out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage by fellow French side Lyon.

Domenech has long bore the brunt of fans' frustrations following a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign where France picked up only one point and finished bottom of their group.

But the Frenchman said he had not been told whether he would be replaced by Blanc after the World Cup in South Africa.

"I'm not the one who decides on this," said Domenech.

"Blanc proved he was able to be in charge at club level. But coaching a national team is a different job.

"He will have to be ready immediately because the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign starts in September."

France start their World Cup campaign against Uruguay on 11 June.

[kemm1]

Laurent Blanc to take France job

Laurent Blanc has stood down as Bordeaux boss in order to become the new head coach of the French national side following the World Cup finals.

Laurent Blanc does not have a tough act to follow with France
Blanc earlier told his players of his decision to resign, and will now be confirmed as Raymond Domenech's successor as les Bleus boss when the French Football Federation finalise the terms of the deal.

"I take note of the decision announced today by Laurent Blanc, the day after the last day of the Ligue 1 season, officially declaring his interest for the position of national coach,'' FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said.

"Blanc spoke to me on the telephone after informing his president and his players. This declaration of interest makes me happy. His sporting history, his personality, his charisma, makes Blanc the ideal fit for the profile of the coach of the France team beyond the World Cup.

"In the coming hours, the FFF will take the necessary steps with the relevant parties to define the terms of an agreement allowing Laurent Blanc to take control of the national team next season.''

Blanc was named Bordeaux manager in June 2007 and won the Coupe de la Ligue and the French title in his second season at the club, establishing an impressive reputation in the managerial world.

This season, Blanc took Bordeaux to the quarter-finals of the Champions League but they lost to French rivals Lyon and also fell dramatically off the pace in Ligue 1, eventually finishing in sixth position, 14 points behind champions Marseille.

Bordeaux were keen to retain Blanc's services and were disappointed with the conduct of the FFF, blaming the governing body for contributing to the club's poor end to the season.

"FC Girondins de Bordeaux have just been informed by their coach Laurent Blanc that he wants to accept the offer from the FFF to become France coach,'' a club statement said. "The club wanted to keep Laurent Blanc as coach of the first team until the end of his contract on June 30, 2011.

"Given the special quality of the relationship with the coach during his three years at the club, and the excellent work by Mr Blanc, his assistant Mr Gasset, and his coaching team, FC Girondins de Bordeaux has agreed to talk to the FFF on the question on compensation relating to the release of our coach.

"Despite the damaging statements from members of the FFF, which have undoubtedly affected the end of the 2009-10 season and beyond, FC Girondins de Bordeaux express their willingness to reach a solution acceptable to the club, respectful of its interests and the damage suffered."

Blanc captained France to World Cup glory in 1998, though he missed the final due to suspension, and has now signalled his determination to lead his country as head coach and replace the unpopular Domenech, who took France to the 2006 World Cup final but presided over a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/787392/ce/uk/?cc=5739&ver=global

Bit of a surprise, I thought he'd move on to take a bigger club management job.

[-V-]

Noticed this. If its true that he's taking the French job then its a really dumb move. The next world cup 4 years away, thats a long commitment. Right now I would think there must be plenty of big European clubs that would take him. He should have stepped up in club management

[Mostar]

He was a very good player and appears to be a good coach too. Probably best thing for France. They have been struggling since 2000 European Championship.