PROFILE-Soccer-Blanc forges team in his own elegant image

By Jean-Paul Couret

PARIS, May 30 (Reuters) - Elegant, composed and skilful were among the words used to describe Laurent Blanc in his playing days.

The same descriptions could be applied equally to describe the Girondins Bordeaux team he has led to their first French championship title since 1999 after only two seasons as a coach.

The 43-year-old former centre back of the France team, who won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 thanks largely to a solid defence, has turned the Chaban-Delmas stadium into a fortress where his team are unbeaten since Oct. 7, 2007.

"We know very well what we owe to the coach, the confidence he placed in us, the philosophy of the game he taught us," said defensive midfielder Alou Diarra, whose signing from Olympique Lyon was Blanc's priority when he joined Bordeaux two years ago.

"All is positive in his coaching. He has a great experience of the game at the highest level. He knows how to manage the good and the bad times during a season," the France international added during a news conference this week.

Blanc gained his experience in one of the longest careers in French football which led him during 20 years from Montpellier to Manchester United via Napoli, St Etienne, AJ Auxerre, Barcelona, Olympique Marseille and Inter Milan.

"FANTASTIC CHARACTER"