By Chris Wright
According to reports emanating from France this morning, Laurent Blanc, (who recently stepped down as manager of Ligue 1 side Bordeaux) is set to be named as the next coach of the French national team within the next 24 hours – and will take over the reigns from Raymond Domenech after the World Cup culminates in July.
Blanc has already stated his desire to take charge of les bleus, and a statement issued from the president of France Football Federation (FFF), Jean-Pierre Escalettes, confirmed that they are in talks to install the 44-year-old tactician as Domenech’s successor;
“I take note of the decision announced this morning by Laurent Blanc, following the final day of the Ligue 1 season, that he has officially declared his interest for the position of national coach.
The declaration of interest makes me happy. His sporting past, his personality, and charisma means Laurent Blanc fits the profile that the FFF desire and fits the ambitions of Team France.”
The FFF are now expected to contact all the relevant parties to discuss the terms of Blanc’s contract and could therefore announce the former World Cup winner’s appointment as early as tomorrow morning.
I only have one question. How, in the name of all that is holy, has it taken FFF this long (six years!) to replace the utterly useless Raymond Domenech, who must be the most inept coach to ever take charge of a major international team?