PSG In Talks With Kombouare Over His Future

Paris, Dec 23: Paris Saint-Germain would only say it was in talks with Antoine Kombouare on Thursday amid speculation that the French league leaders have already decided to fire their coach.

A day after PSG moved three points clear at the top of the league, media reports claimed sporting director Leonardo had told Kombouare he would be replaced.

PSG responded by issuing a short statement on its website.

“PSG and its coach Antoine Kombouare would like to specify that they have started amicable discussions that should soon be concluded, and will allow each (party) to preserve their interests.”

Kombouare's position has been under scrutiny since Leonardo met with former Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti in Paris last month.

The club's Qatari owners have spent ¤82 million ($107 million) on players this season as PSG seeks its first league title since 1994.

PSG took a three-point lead over Montpellier with Wednesday's 1-0 win at Saint-Etienne, the last game before the winter break.

After PSG scored, midfielder Mathieu Bodmer clenched his fist and looked at Kombouare, with the coach responding the same way.

“I'm happy here and I want to carry on, but I'm not the one who decides,” Kombouare said after the game.

Kombouare remains popular with the players but PSG has already been linked with a list of higher-profile coaches, including Ancelotti, Guus Hiddink, Frank Rijkaard and former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez.