No bad blood with Bilic, insists Blanc

France manager Laurent Blanc has dismissed talk of a row with Croatian counterpart Slaven Bilic ahead of this week’s friendly international.

Les Bleus host Bilic’s side at the Stade de France on Tuesday with much of the build-up focused on the supposed bad blood between the managers. The two clashed as players in the 1998 World Cup semi-final, with Blanc receiving a red card following a tussle with Bilic, which resulted in the Frenchman missing the final.Bilic was widely criticised for play –acting during the incident, but Blanc insists that he bears no grudge against the Croatian manager. “I’ve always told you and I repeat, there is no problem between him and me,” Blanc said.“I saw that he said that it was me who was responsible for what happened in 1998, that it was my fault, and he is right.”“This will not be a special moment for me and I’ll shake his hand without any ulterior motive.”Speaking ahead of the friendly in Paris, Blanc also promised to mix his side up after their 2-0 Euro 2012 qualifying win in Luxembourg on Friday.”I’ve always said it and I repeat it, the starting eleven against Croatia will be different from the one that played in Luxembourg,” Blanc said. “Knowing that this is a friendly match, we will have the opportunity to make six changes. It is something to be included in discussions.”“I think if it goes as planned, we will ensure that virtually all players have participated in one of the two games.”