The main contenders to replace Laurent Blanc at Paris St Germain

27 June 2016 01:23

Laurent Blanc has seen his three-year tenure as Paris St Germain coach come to an end as the club look to improve their recent European form.

The former France captain oversaw a third consecutive Ligue 1 title last season with a 31-point gap back to the languishing pack.

Now PSG are looking for a new boss and here, we take a look at five of the contenders to replace Blanc at the Parc des Princes.

UNAI EMERY

Three straight successes in the Europa League as Sevilla boss makes 44-year-old Spaniard Emery one of the hot favourites to replace Blanc. He departed the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan earlier in the month and is available to take charge, bringing with him an unrivalled recent pedigree in European competition. The former Valencia and Spartak Moscow coach oversaw a 3-1 victory over Liverpool in last season's Europa League to keep his tight grip on the trophy.

LOUIS VAN GAAL

The ex-Manchester United manager was sacked just two days after winning the FA Cup and is now unemployed. The Dutchman's time at Old Trafford was more miss than hit but he has a very good track record on the continent when it comes to delivering silverware. If the Paris St Germain hierarchy do opt for the 64-year-old, they would be wary of the fact he failed to get anything out of United's club-record signing and current PSG ace Angel Di Maria during an ill-fated spell in England.

MANUEL PELLEGRINI

Another man who departed Manchester at the end of last season and is now looking for work, former Manchester City boss Pellegrini has reportedly been overlooked for the Southampton post vacated by Ronald Koeman. But the 62-year-old Chilean has a Premier League title and two League Cups on his CV from his time in England and masterminded PSG's Champions League exit at the round of 16 last season.

DIEGO SIMEONE

Some reports earlier in the month suggested current Atletico Madrid coach Simeone has already passed on the opportunity to replace Blanc. But if Les Parisiens persevere they know they would be getting a manager with an outstanding track record. The 46-year-old Argentinian has won the Primera Division and Europa League during his time in the Spanish capital and has led Atleti to two Champions League finals - with a good run in Europe the target of PSG's owners.

MAURICIO POCHETTINO

No doubt an outside bet given how much he seems to be enjoying his time at Tottenham, but Pochettino does have an affinity with PSG. The tough-tacking defender represented the club from 2001 to 2003 and told a French radio station earlier in the year it was "part of my dream" to one day manage the club. However, it is unlikely Spurs would allow their man to leave after Pochettino came close to delivering the Premier League crown last season.

Source: PA