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Paris Saint-Germain boss Laurent Blanc is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. When asked about his decision to revert from a 4-4-2 to 4-3-3 formation by Swedish journalist Johanna Franden – working for Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet – the former Les Blues boss patronized the reporter by suggesting it is ‘beautiful’ for women to be talking about football, instead of replying to her direct question. Blanc is facing widespread criticism for his reported behavior.
The following words were exchanged between the two.
“I mean, women talking football tactics, it’s so beautiful,” the Paris St-Germain chief told her in a press conference.
“I think it’s fantastic. You know what 4-3-3 means, don’t you?”
Franden replied by saying that it “is my job to know what it means,” before Blanc continued his sarcastic answers.
“I mean, there’s a lot of ways of playing. Haha – just joking.”
Johanna Franden’s co-worker journalist Phillip O’Connor believed that his colleague should have been more severe with her reaction. He tweeted:
The former France boss has previously been in the news for allegedly making disrespectful comments. He was reportedly taped discussing plans of reducing the number of African and Arab players in the Les Blues’ squad, according to Report.
Blanc’s comments threaten to overshadow a season that is largely progressing as planned for the capital-based club.
Although he doesn’t appear to be malicious, the 48-year-old should know better than to speak with such a condescending tone, especially when he brought Franden’s sex into the conversation.
An apology is certainly in order no matter the intention, with Blanc’s aim surely to keep focus on football matters, rather than unnecessary—and quite frankly embarrassing—headlines off the pitch.
