Barthez close to joining PSG coaching staff

Former France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is in talks to join his 1998 World Cup winning teammate Laurent Blanc as part of the Paris Saint-Germain coaching staff, the Ligue 1 leaders have revealed. Barthez who enjoyed an illustrious career as a player which included notable spells with Marseille, where he won the 1993 Champions League, as well as Monaco and Manchester United, appears close to striking a deal, according to PSG coach Blanc. "We have spoken about it but I think you (the media) are confirming certain things that aren't yet in place," Blanc, who was also a teammate of Barthez at United, told football weekly France Football. "It's hopefull. It would be the same role that he had with the France team when I arrived and for which I kept him. He was a consultant. "I think his experience at the highest level can be beneficial to the goalkeepers at PSG," continued Blanc who left the France job following the team's quarter-final exit at Euro 2012 and was replaced by Didier Deschamps. "Will it happen? I don't know anything. Fabien is interested but there is nothing definite for the moment." Barthez has also been active away from the football pitch and has recently embarked on a successful career as a race car driver.

Source: AFP