Blanc quits as France coach

Laurent Blanc has opened the door to Tottenham after leaving his position as France coach following the expiry of his contract.



The Frenchman, who has been linked with Spurs following Harry Redknapp's departure, has turned down the offer of a new contract with the French Football Federation.



Blanc, who took charge of the national side after the disastrous 2010 World Cup campaign, led Les Bleus to the quarter-finals of Euro 2012, where they lost 2-0 to Spain.



The former Bordeaux boss held talks with FFF president Noel le Graet on Thursday and had been offered a new two-year contract, but he was told that he would have to reduce his coaching staff. On Saturday it emerged that he had decided to walk away from the position.



A statement on the FFF website read: "Within the period provided for reflection, Laurent Blanc, on Saturday contacted the President of the FFF, Noel Le Graet, to indicate his decision not to seek the renewal of his contract of national coach.



"Mr Le Graet has acknowledged and applauded the work of Laurent Blanc at the head of the France team since August 2010. The executive committee of the federation is meeting on Tuesday but no comments will be made by the FFF and its president before the press conference scheduled at the conclusion of this work session.''



Blanc, a World Cup and European Championship winner during his playing career, had overseen a 23-game unbeaten run that ended with a surprise 2-0 defeat to Sweden in the final group game of this summer's tournament.



Marseille coach Didier Deschamps, who captained France to glory in 1998 and 2000, is believed to be the leading contender for the position. UEFA president Michel Platini said on Saturday afternoon that he welcomed Deschamps' candidature.



"If Laurent Blanc [leaves] it is a shame because he had indicated his wish to continue, but Didier Deschamps is among the very good coaches," Platini said.



"It is the FFF president who chooses. I do not think we have bad players. Progress has been made. We have potential but it is our place in the quarter-finals. Anyway, Didier Deschamps does know the team."

Spurs poised to make Blanc move

Tottenham have reportedly begun preliminary negotiations with Laurent Blanc regarding the vacant manager's position at White Hart Lane.



The former Manchester United defender is currently managing France at Euro 2012 but is believed to have moved to the top Tottenham's shortlist.



With Les Bleus currently top of their group and poised to make it through to the quarter-finals, any detailed negotiations are likely to take place after the tournament's conclusion in a fortnight's time.



Blanc has been in charge of the French national side for two years and prior to that managed Bordeaux, his first managerial position, winning the French title in 2009.



Everton manager David Moyes and Wigan boss Roberto Martinez were the early frontrunners to replace Harry Redknapp but interest in both is believed to have cooled.



Former Porto and Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas is also believed to be in contention for the role.

Blanc hails Menez display

France coach Laurent Blanc praised the performance of Jeremy Menez in his side's 2-0 victory over Ukraine at Euro 2012 on Friday.



The Paris Saint-Germain winger was called up to the starting XI in place of Florent Malouda and produced a confident performance, bagging France's opener.



Les Bleus look in good shape to qualify from Group D, and Blanc was impressed with Menez, who he picked to exploit the space behind the Ukraine defence.



"We really studied the Ukrainian side very well and they do leave a lot of space in behind," he said.



"They like to play football, but there are imbalances at the back and there are spaces you can take advantage of.



"We've got quick players and Jeremy is one of those. We know he's a very good player and he's gaining confidence at international level. Once he gets there, he'll really be able to show us the full extent of his capabilities. It was a very encouraging display from him."



The win was France's first at a tournament in six years, and Blanc is hoping that the next victory will not be far away.



"We are very happy to win," Blanc said. "Six years is a long time to go without winning a tournament game so I hope that the next victory will not be another six away because I won't be here to talk to you because I will have been long fired before then."



Defender Philippe Mexes echoed the feelings of his manager, and saluted the efforts of the French forwards who put Ukraine under pressure.



"We created doubts thanks to our pressing," he told RMC. "The attackers were the first defenders.



"We stayed focused, it was essential and I think, with the rigour that we had this evening, the result was deserved."