Blanc opts to end reign as France coach
Saturday, June 30, 2012
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The French Football Federation has announced that Laurent Blanc will leave his role as national team coach following Les Bleus' UEFA EURO 2012 quarter-final exit.
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The French Football Federation (FFF) has announced that Laurent Blanc has decided to step down as France coach following their UEFA EURO 2012 campaign.
Blanc, 46, replaced Raymond Domenech at the helm in July 2010 and secured UEFA EURO 2012 qualification as Group D winners but he has opted to leave his post after a quarter-final elimination at the hands of holders Spain.
"After some reflection, Laurent Blanc got in touch with Noël Le Graët, the president of the FFF, to communicate his decision not to seek the renewal of his contract," read an official statement. The FFF will have a meeting on Tuesday to discuss Blanc's successor and will hold a press conference afterwards.
The former FC Barcelona, Olympique de Marseille, FC Internazionale Milano and Manchester United FC defender won the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA EURO 2000 during a successful playing career. He moved into coaching at FC Girondins de Bordeaux, whom he led to the Ligue 1 title in 2009 before taking the France job.
