World Cup 2010: Laurent Blanc To Replace Raymond Domenech As France Coach - Report

It's the news that every fan of les Bleus has been dreaming of, but it will not take place before the summer's competition in South Africa...

Dec 11, 2009 9:34:03 AM

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Ligue 1 : Laurent Blanc (Bordeaux)

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According to a report in L’Equipe, the French FA (FFF) are aiming to secure the services of Girondins de Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc to replace unpopular national team trainer Raymond Domenech.

Jean-Pierre Escalettes, president of the FFF and the man noted for giving Domenech a contract extension after an abject Euro 2008 campaign, has apparently made the 44-year-old his preferred candidate.

However, ‘le President’ is unconvinced as to whether he will take the role, with reports in France suggesting that he is being groomed as Sir Alex Ferguson’s replacement at Manchester United.

Blanc, a pragmatic coach who is not afraid to give his side a real offensive flavour when required, is widely considered to be one of the best young exponents of his art in the game. He has enjoyed terrific success with les Girondins, leading them to break Olympique Lyonnais’ seven-year monopoly of the Ligue 1 title and causing waves in Europe by finishing top of Champions League Group A, which contained Juventus and Bayern Munich.

He initially applied for the post as France coach in 2004, when Domenech was the preferred candidate, although it has since been alleged that there were nepotistic reasons in the FFF's decision to select the 57-year-old ahead of World Cup winner Blanc.

Domenech's contract with les Bleus expires after South Africa 2010, when it is widely anticipated he will be ousted.

Robin Bairner, Goal.com

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