Blanc drops Menez for Marseille clash

Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc has announced that Jeremy Menez will not travel with the team for their game against Marseille.

Menez was left on the bench for PSG’s 3-0 UEFA Champions League win over Benfica on Wednesday and was reported to have left the dugout in anger with 20 minutes still to play at the Parc des Princes.

Blanc refused to comment on the subject in the immediate aftermath of their victory over the Portuguese side, but has now confirmed that the winger will be punished for his actions.

“Jeremy has met with the club officials, I have met with him this morning (Saturday). There will be a sanction. He will not be with us for the Marseille trip,” he said.

The rivalry between PSG and Marseille has long been regarded as the biggest in the French game.

However, newly promoted Monaco, who have spent big to propel themselves to the top of the table, are seen as defending champions’ PSG’s biggest challengers.

Still, Blanc insisted that that their meeting with Marseille – themselves just one point behind both Monaco and PSG in third place – could have a large bearing on the title race.

“This is a game of a very high standard, with big clubs,” he added.

“The dynamics are favourable to us, but Marseille is only one point behind us. So in the championship, they also have good momentum.

“All games are up for grabs and worth three points. If they (Marseille) are direct competitors, it may be interesting, but we do not know that today because the championship is long. Points need to be taken against all teams.

“After that, it is a special game, as we know. Between Paris and Marseille there is no love, they are cities with different mentalities.”