Renewed speculation about the future of Jean Tigana and Gerard Houllier is certain to follow Luis Fernandez’s decision to quit Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season.

Fernandez, former European Championship-winning midfielder, was not thought likely to stay but his popularity had suddenly risen after last weekend’s 3-0 win away to old rivals Marseille.

Fernandez said however: “It’s best to recognise when you’ve failed. It’s best for the club and myself that I leave. It’s not been easy. I think the people from Canal Plus (club owner) were wrong to allow Ronaldinho to get away with some of his behaviour. If a player is more important than the coach then there is no future.”

PSG are eighth and Fernandez, 43, was handed a six-month touchline ban earlier this season for a clash with match officials. He has also survived a vote of confidence by his board of directors after fans called for his head.

Tigana is expected to leave Fulham when his contract expires at the end of the season though his refusal to comment on the issue has raised tension within the club.

Houllier was the subject of reports that he might return to PSG – whom he steered to league title success in the mid-1980s – in the run-up to Liverpool’s recent League Cup Final victory over Manchester United.
By Keir Radnedge