Laurent Blanc admits he will quit as coach of the France national team should he fail to deliver results.
The former Bordeaux manager has replaced the unpopular Raymond Domenech, following a disastrous showing at the 2010 World Cup.
He has stamped his authority on the team by dropping all of the 23 players who went on strike during France’s ill-fated campaign in South Africa for an upcoming friendly against Norway.
Blanc is, however, aware that he must also produce on the field, with the 2012 European Championship in his sights.
“It’s Euro 2012 where I’m heading for,” Blanc told L’Equipe. “I haven’t signed for four years as certain people have written. I have signed for two years.
“After, if we qualify and if we have a good Euro, we can maybe discuss renewing it for two years. I will be judged on results. It’s not my thing to continue when I have failed.
“If I don’t manage to be authoritative with the group that I choose, I will go to see the Federation and I will tell them that I am leaving.”
Blanc has warned the French public not to expect miracles from a new-look side.
“I am not a magician,” he added. “If we want to become credible again, we have to change things…by changing the criteria of selection which have been ours these last 10 years.
“I will keep as fundamental criteria the spirit, behaviour, commitment to the shirt. That’s all vital. Those that don’t have it, that don’t want it, let them go.
“I’m not deluding myself, there are maybe one, two, three, six who have the chance to still be there (in September),” continued the 44-year-old.
“Norway isn’t a gift. But for certain players, it’s their chance to capitalise on.
“Judicial enquiries are very long. I am here for two years. And Ribery and Benzema are among the players who are potentially very influential in the team.
“You have to respect the presumption of innocence, and the interest of the France team has to be fundamental.”
However, Blanc claims no-one is indispensable, apart perhaps from Lyon keeper Hugo Lloris.
He said: “No. If you can name me one, bravo, because I really don’t see one, apart from the goalkeeper.”
