France coach hints at club move - report

17 April 2012 09:47

France coach Laurent Blanc hinted in an interview published on Tuesday that he could move into club management next season, as his contract with the national side has not been extended.

Blanc has been linked to a move to either the English Premier League or Italy's Serie A, with both Chelsea and Inter Milan reportedly interested in securing his services.

He did little to scotch rumours that his time as national team manager was nearly finished, telling the Parisien newspaper: "I don't even know what I'll be doing next season."

Asked about the speculation, he was quoted as saying that it was "always gratifying" to be appreciated by big clubs but his focus for now was on the European Championships, which start in Poland and Ukraine on June 8.

Nevertheless, he gave an indication that he would be prepared to leave if an attractive offer came his way -- and he could sign either before or during the Euros.

"I often hear it said that it's the owner who decides whether or not to extend the contract of a player or a coach. I agree but we often forget that the employee can also decide," added Blanc, who won the 1998 World Cup as a player.

Source: AFP