Blanc open to Chelsea return

France coach Laurent Blanc has not ruled out taking charge at Chelsea as his contract with the national team remains up for renewal.

Blanc said he is fully focused on the upcoming European Championship campaign with France, but hinted he would be open to leaving his post after the tournament if a more secure position arose.

“My intention is to continue with the France team. I have not changed my mind,” Blanc told Le Parisien.

“But the situation is that my contract has not yet been extended. And I’m not the kind of guy who will keep tapping at the door. If it’s clear, it’s clear.”

Such news will no doubt alert the bosses at Stamford Bridge as they look for their permanent replacement for Andre Villas-Boas, who was sacked back in March.

Blanc, for his part, did not play down his availability when asked about the west London outfit, suggesting he could make the move back to club football for the right job.

“It is always gratifying to be appreciated by big clubs. My goal is the Euro. I am completely focused on this competition,” he said.

“But I often hear that it is the chief who decides whether or not to extend a player or coach’s contract. I agree, but let’s not forget that the employee may decide as well.”

When asked why he would sign for a club, Blanc responded: “If an exceptional challenge is proposed to me, I can very well decide to leave the French team. But that is not the case at the moment.”

The 46-year-old then spoke of the difficulties Franck Ribery faces in replicating his form for Bayern Munich in the blue of the national team.

“This is incomprehensible. Ribery is very impressive with his club but he cannot do it for France. There is an obstacle, that’s for sure,” Blanc said.

“With the quality of the player, he deserves our patience, to some degree. We have faith in him, and we will try to help him. But there are other players who also need our help. Franck is not the only one.”

France will kick off their Euro 2012 campaign against England on June 11 before taking on Ukraine and Sweden in their other two Group D games.