Marseille confirm Gennaro Gattuso as new head coach

Marseille has officially announced the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as their newly appointed head coach.

The former manager of AC Milan, Napoli, and Valencia is now at the helm of Les Parisiens, following the departure of Marcelino, who stepped down from his position after just seven games due to threats from supporter groups.

Jacques Abardonado took temporary charge for the weekend’s showdown against Paris Saint-Germain in Le Classique. Unfortunately, his tenure began with a disheartening 4-0 defeat to the champions, leaving Marseille in eighth place on the table and without a victory in their last four games across all competitions.

Initially, Marseille had contemplated hiring Christophe Galtier, but a range of factors, including his recent association with PSG and allegations of racism, led the club’s hierarchy to choose Gattuso instead.

“I am thrilled and honored to join Olympique de Marseille. It’s a club and a stadium, the Orange Velodrome, where I had the privilege to play as a footballer. It’s renowned throughout Europe for the passion and fervor it exudes. I’m eager to begin working with my new team and taking on the upcoming challenges,” stated Gattuso on the official Marseille website.

Gattuso had been without a managerial role since leaving Valencia in January. In his managerial career, he has secured one major trophy, winning the 2019-20 Coppa Italia with Napoli.

Gattuso’s inaugural match in charge of Les Olympiens will be an away fixture against Monaco this Saturday evening. Following that, the French side will host Brighton & Hove Albion in a highly anticipated Europa League clash next Thursday.