Laurent Blanc Accused of Sexism After PSG Boss' Mocking of Swedish Journalist

Paris Saint-Germain coach Laurent Blanc has been criticised after reportedly belittling Johanna Franden, a female journalist who works for Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet.

The Frenchman's patronising attitude when asked about a change in tactics has brought unwanted attention to the PSG boss. Jamie Sanderson of the Metro reports the exchange between Blanc and Franden:

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"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."

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As noted by journalist Phillip O'Connor, who works alongside Franden, Blanc's comments could have been met with a severe reaction from the female writer:

This isn't the first time Blanc has made headlines for allegedly making disrespectful comments. The former France boss was reportedly taped discussing plans to reduce the number of black and Arab players in Les Bleus' squad, per Kim Willsher and Paul Doyle's report for The Guardian.

Blanc's PSG side currently find themselves atop Ligue 1, although the reigning champions' recent form hasn't been completely spotless.

The coach demanded an instant response after the mega-rich side lost 2-0 to Evian on Oct. 4, per Sky Sports. Although this was achieved with a 5-0 thrashing of Sochaux, an experimental PSG team lost 2-1 to Benfica in the Champions League, prior to their hard-fought 3-1 win over Rennes.

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 well-travelled 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.

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