Petit predicts Blanc resignation

Emmanuel Petit is hoping that Laurent Blanc continues as France boss but suspects that his former team-mate will step down.

Les Bleus were tipped by many pundits as potential winners of Euro 2012 but their campaign was overshadowed by Samir Nasri’s public problems with the press and reports of in-fighting – even before their quarter-final elimination at the hands of Spain.

Petit is in no doubt that Blanc is the right man to lead France forward, but would not be in the least bit surprised if the ex-Bordeaux boss decides to walk away and return to the club game.

“Knowing Laurent Blanc, he will be starting to have enough (of all the controversy), but I hope he will stay,” the former France midfielder told RMC.

“The players must be called into question and Blanc must have had enough with the behaviour of some of them. A new challenge with a club side would probably be best for him.”

Petit, though, admitted that Blanc’s role in France’s failure cannot be overlooked, arguing that the coach paid the price for not having the courage of his convictions when it came to the team’s style of play.

“It (France’s early exit) also calls his philosophy into question,” the former Arsenal man said.

“This is a strong supporter of Barcelona and yet, in terms of tactics, there were inconsistencies that went against this philosophy.

“He has restored some dignity to this team, but while displaying a lack of boldness in his tactical choices.”

Petit and Blanc played on the same French side which won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000.