PSG AND BLANC PART WAYS

 

Laurent Blanc

Laurent Blanc has left his job as the head coach of Paris Saint-Germain to end his three-year spell in the French capital, the club announced on Monday.

Failure to progress in the Champions League ultimately enforced the mega-rich club owners to end the former Barcelona and Manchester United defender’s tenure, who won three Ligue 1 titles in as many seasons during his time at the French outfit.

A statement read: “In a respectful atmosphere, negotiations were completed on 27 June. An agreement, by common accord, preserves the interests of both parties. Assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset and head fitness trainer Philippe Lambert also leave the club as part of the agreement.

“As the club decides to head in a new direction for the management of the first team, it wishes to thank Laurent Blanc and expresses its gratitude for the work accomplished over the last three years by Laurent and his staff.

“During his three years at the club, Laurent Blanc won 11 trophies, including two national quadruples, and left a significant mark on the great history of Paris Saint-Germain.”

PSG were knocked out in the quarter-finals of Europe’s elite competition at the hands of Manchester City this season and Blanc’s future was in question ever since.

PSG have also confirmed that along with Blanc, assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset and physical trainer Philippe Lambert will also leave the club.

The 50-year-old coach said: “My collaboration with PSG ends today. I would like to thank all the people who’ve worked alongside me.

“I spent three seasons here that were fulfilling on a human and professional level, littered with numerous trophies.

I wish the best for PSG and its supporters as well as good luck for my successor.”

Former Sevilla coach Unai Emery, who resigned from his position as the head coach of the Spanish club earlier this month, has been the leading candidate to be named as Blanc’s successor for a few weeks now and his appointment at the Ligue 1 champions can be announced as soon as later this week.

Emery lead Sevilla to a record three back-to-back Europa League titles and PSG will be hoping to see the Spaniard lead the club to Champions League success.