to lose Ezequiel Lavezzi for nothing in the off-season after ruling
out a January move for the Argentine.
Lavezzi will be a free agent at the end of June when his contract
with the French champions expires, unless the club and player
can come to a new agreement.
But a new deal to remain in the French capital seems unlikely,
with the Argentina international heavily linked with a return to
Italy, which is reportedly his preferred destination according to
his agent.
Lavezzi joined PSG from Napoli in 2012 for almost €30 million
and has made over 150 appearances for Blanc's team, but the
French coach will not be tempted to try and recoup some of the
investment made in the forward by selling him in the current
window.
"We have been very clear with Lavezzi. We have been very, very
clear with him," Blanc said.
"I don’t want to tell you what we said but we have been very
clear with him, from the beginning of the season until this
transfer window.
"We have been very clear on his situation. He cannot say the
contrary. We all know that if someone wants to leave the club,
all the parts of the club must agree. Apparently, it is not the
case, because he hasn't move."
Blanc said the club would not be held to ransom just because
Lavezzi's contract ends in six months.
"The contract of 'Pocho' ends in June and there is a strategy.
Well, not really a strategy, but there is a position to stand, hold
or keep," the Frenchman continued.
"We have had discussions with players at the end of their
contracts. We spoke with them and we told them that we could
adapt to their positions if we found satisfaction."
The PSG coach has plenty to occupy his mind outside of
Lavezzi, with the French champions 21 points clear of next-best
Monaco in the Ligue 1 standings, while still competing in the
Coupe de la Ligue, Coupe de France and Champions League.
PSG take on Chelsea when the latter resumes in February, and
Blanc said his team would continue to fight in all competitions.
"To be competitive the D-day against Chelsea, we’ll have to give
it all we have in Ligue 1 and in the cup. Yes, there are some
risks to give it all we have but you always have risks," he said.
"If you begin to think about the injury, about not giving 100 per
cent in some duels, it’s the best way to get injured or to not
being present the D-day. I said that to my players. So, yes there
are risks. But there are always risks. Zero risk doesn’t exist.
"I think that we have lots of games, maybe too many, before
Chelsea – I would have loved to play a bit less. We’ll play them
all but please don’t be focused on this game cause it’s the best
way to get troubles."
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