Blanc waiting for sign from FFF over new contract

Published Nov. 16, 2011 5:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

France coach Laurent Blanc wants to stay on after the European Championship, but is waiting for a sign from his federation that he will be offered a new contract.

Blanc's contract expires after Euro 2012, and the French Football Federation's President Noel Le Graet has yet to offer him a new deal.

''Yes, if I'm offered (a contract), that will be the case. I want to (continue),'' Blanc said Wednesday on RMC radio. ''We're a young team, it was fundamental to qualify for Euro 2012 to gain the experience I hope enables us to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, which will be very difficult.''

Although Blanc insisted he is not ''imposing anything'' on Le Graet and that ''it's the FFF's choice,'' he is still keen to get the matter sorted out before Euro 2012.

Having coached Bordeaux to the French title in the 2008-09 season, Blanc strongly hinted he would not be afraid to take up new a challenge elsewhere.

''I would rather it was decided before (the Euro),'' he said. ''It's true that if I get some signs about an extension I will be attentive to them. If I don't get (any signs) maybe I will envisage something else.

''I think we have to speak about it with the people concerned,'' he added. ''It also concerns me a bit.''

Blanc replaced the unpopular Raymond Domenech after France's dreadful 2010 World Cup campaign, where it went out in the group stage without winning a match, and has steadily rebuilt the team.

After losing his first two matches in charge, Blanc has guided France to a 17-match unbeaten run, including wins against Brazil and England.

A recent dip in form saw France scrape a 1-0 win over the United States last Friday and draw 0-0 with Belgium on Tuesday, which left Blanc feeling much work is still to be done.

When asked during the radio interview if France has a realistic chance of winning Euro 2012, he said ''no.''