Laurent Blanc leaves PSG as manager amid Unai Emery replacement talk

Posted Tuesday, June 28, 2016 by ESPN

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Laurent Blanc has left as manager of the Ligue 1 champions.

Former Sevilla boss Unai Emery has been strongly linked with replacing the Frenchman at the club.

Blanc was appointed at PSG in 2013 and led the side to three consecutive Ligue 1 titles, two Coupe de France victories and three Coupe de la Ligue successes.

In June, PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi stopped short of confirming whether Blanc would retain his job as he promised a "new cycle" will start at the club this summer.

Blanc, who signed a new two-year contract in February, came under pressure for a failure to impress in the Champions League, with the side exiting at the quarterfinal stage in 2015-16 against Manchester City.

Al-Khelaifi said: "At a time when we open a new chapter in the redevelopment of the club, I would like to thank Laurent Blanc for everything he has brought in the last few years in terms of performances and results.

"I wish him the best for the new challenges that await him."

The statement added that Blanc leaves as of Thursday following discussions in a "serene atmosphere" on Monday.

Assistant manager Jean-Louis Gasset and coach Philippe Lambert have also left the club after an "amicable" agreement was struck.