PSG extend coach's French soccer contract

Feb 11, 2016 - 10:06 AM Paris Saint-Germain soccer coach Laurent Blanc finally has what he wants.

Out of contract at the end of the season, Blanc has signed a new two-year deal with the three-time defending French league champions until the end of June 2018, ending speculation he could be replaced by Jose Mourinho at the end of the season.

The former France manager was in talks with club officials for months, insisting his future should be decided before next week's Champions League game against Chelsea.

"Of course, it's a strong show of faith," Blanc said. "The club has ambitions both nationally and in Europe, and we'll do all we can to reach those objectives. We'll get there - we're ready."

Blanc has already delivered what the club expected from him on the domestic stage. Since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in 2013, Blanc has guided PSG to two straight league titles, including a domestic treble last season, and has lost only six league matches.

But his richly assembled team have not been able to advance past the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the competition for which PSG's Qatari owners are craving.

"That's our great dream," PSG president Nasser Al-Khelafi said.

Financial terms of Blanc's new deal were not disclosed by the club but L'Equipe newspaper reported he would earn about the same salary, around 5 million euros ($A8 million).

PSG have a 24-point lead over second-placed Monaco ahead of Saturday's reception of Lille, and are all but guaranteed of winning the title for a fourth straight year.

Monaco travel to fourth-place Saint-Etienne in the other showcase match, and third-placed Nice host Marseille in a Mediterranean derby.

Source: AAP