REPORT: Laurent Blanc being considered for open USMNT manager job

An interesting name has emerged as a possible candidate to replace Bruce Arena as the new manager of the United States men’s national team. Reputable outlet France Football reports that France legend and former manager, Laurent Blanc, is being considered for the open job.

While it’s no surprise to start seeing available managers being linked to the job, this one is a bit eye opening. FF is not your typical tabloid fodder like you see in England. They are respected and usually very trustworthy. They are even the official presenter of the Ballon d’Or trophy.

As far as Blanc, his playing resume is phenomenal, but his coaching track record is spotty at best. He coached Les Bleus for three years, taking over after their historic debacle of a World Cup in 2010. That tenure saw the legendary defender mired in a controversy after allegations he proposed a “race quota” for the French national team. He was cleared of those charges in 2011.

After being being ousted by Spain in the Euro 2012 quarterfinal, Blanc resigned from his post. A year later, he was appointed manager of famed French giants PSG. He spent four years there before leaving the club in 2016 “by mutual consent”. He’s won Ligue 1 four times as a manager, three times with PSG and once during his first managerial gig with Bordeaux.

The report does not state whether Blanc is on a list of candidates or if he’s one of a few being considered. It does say that Blanc would be open to taking the job if no other offer from a big time European club or country presents itself. It’s a vague rumor, but the link between the FFF and U.S. Soccer has been there for a while with the FFF and MLS having a partnership for Academy coaches to learn from the French.

Rumors and speculation ever since Bruce Arena’s resignation have been that Tab Ramos would take over in the interim. U.S. Soccer says that they will announce an interim coach before their next friendly against Portugal in November.

Does Blanc make sense for the USMNT? Let us know what you think of this link and what your thoughts are on the possibility of it happening.