New manager for France after the World Cup! Vive La Blanc

This past Sunday it was announced on Bordeaux's website :-



"Girondins Bordeaux have been informed by Laurent Blanc that he wanted to answer favourably to the French Federation (FFF)'s solicitation to become French coach.

Girondins Bordeaux expect to hear from the FFF on the question of the compensation of the release of their coach"



What this means is that after the World Cup, current coach Raymond Dommench will be stepping down, much to the fans delight. He has long bore the brunt of fans' frustrations following a disappointing Euro 2008 campaign where France picked up only one point and finished bottom of their group. In qualifying for this World Cup, they finished 2nd in their group behind Serbia and had to cheat past Republic Of Ireland to qualify. It's the way the French play, the lack of conviction that the fans don't like and it's no surprise the FFF have decided to alter things after a tournament where France aren't expected to achieve too much success.



Laurent Blanc was a member of the hugely successful French squad that won the World Cup on home soil in 1998 and 2 years later Euro 2000. Blanc had a terrific career as a centre back for Barcelona, Marseille and Inter Milan and won the Premiership with Manchester United in 2003.

Having played 97 times for the national side and after achieving the Frnech league and cup double with Bordeaux last year (though should be noted this year they didn't even qualify for Europa League), it's an interesting appointment but after 3 years as a manager, is it a step in the right direction?



The departure of Dommenech isn't met by cheers from everyone, French captain Thierry Henry, has been very open in his distaste for this announcement being made before the World Cup (this is the same Henry who recently signed a contract to play for New York Red Bulls next season while still trying to win the league with Barcelona this season i might add).



Already rumours are spreading of where Dommench will be next season, with people predicting he may take the Liverpool job, though he didn't seem to be aware he was being replaced, when told of the news he was surprised and said "I'm not the one who decides on this, Blanc proved he was able to coach at club level. But coaching a national team is a different job. He will have to be ready immediately because the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign starts in September".



The French federation is expected to officially confirm Blanc as Dommenech's succesor on Thursday.