Fernandez hopes to lift Metz
Tuesday, May 14, 2002
Article summary
Jean Fernandez is to take charge of FC Metz after leaving FC Sochaux-Montbéliard.
Article body
Jean Fernandez is to become the new coach of FC Metz after leaving UEFA Intertoto Cup qualifiers FC Sochaux-Montbéliard earlier this month.
Gress failed
Fernandez will take over from Gilbert Gress, who was appointed by Metz in February in a desperate attempt to avoid the club's first relegation since 1962. Gress could not keep the club up though and resigned at the end of the season.
Respectable finish
Fernandez will now try to repeat what he achieved with Sochaux when he managed to win promotion to the top division in the 2000/01 season. This season, he lead his team to a respectable eighth position, which was good enough to earn them a place in European competition next season.
Poor relationship
However, due to a poor relationship with club president Jean-Claude Plessis, his contract was not renewed. Asked about Fernandez's appointment, Metz chairman Carlo Molinari said: "For the moment we have just taken a verbal agreement, but it should be turned into a written one within the next few days."
