Soccer

Laurent Blanc leaves role as PSG manager

The former France captain spent three years as boss of PSG, winning 11 trophies

Laurent Blanc left his role as Paris Saint-Germain coach, the French Ligue 1 champions announced, without revealing any further financial details. French sports daily L’Equipe had said on June 23 that Blanc would pocket 22 million euros as part of his severance package. Former Sevilla coach Unai Emery is tipped as the favourite to take over from Blanc. Photo: Charly Triballeau/Getty Images

Mon Jun 27 2016 - 13:03

Laurent Blanc has left his role as Paris St Germain head coach, the Ligue 1 champions announced on Monday.

The former France captain spent three years as boss of PSG, winning 11 trophies.

But Blanc was unable to guide PSG into the upper echelons of Europe and has now departed the Parc des Princes.

PSG chairman and chief executive Nasser Al-Khelaifi said on psg.fr: “As we embark on a new chapter in the development of the club, I would like to thank Laurent Blanc for everything he has achieved over the last three years, both in terms of the playing style and results. I wish him the best for his future challenges.”

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Blanc signed a two-year extension to his contract in February, committing him to PSG until June 2018.

But despite romping to the Ligue 1 title for a third straight year under his stewardship, the former France boss’ tenure is over.

There were rumours over his position in May, with PSG reportedly pursuing Jose Mourinho before the former Chelsea boss joined Manchester United.

A statement from PSG read: “In a respectful atmosphere, negotiations were completed on June 27. 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 St Germain.”

Blanc’s European record with PSG was not mentioned.

PSG have reached the quarter-final stage in the last four seasons and been eliminated each time.

They lost to Chelsea in 2013-14, before eliminating the same opponents in successive seasons, only to exit themselves at the next phase.

Manchester City beat PSG in the last eight in 2015-16.

It is the dawn of a new era at PSG as striker and talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic is leaving the club when his contract expires on June 30.

It is widely anticipated Ibrahimovic, whose Sweden side have already been eliminated from Euro 2016, will join Mourinho at Old Trafford.

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