Fernandez takes Marseille mission
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Article summary
Jean Fernandez has left FC Metz to become the coach of UEFA Intertoto Cup contenders Olympique de Marseille.
Article body
Deal agreed
"Olympique de Marseille and FC Metz have reached an agreement so that Jean Fernandez can be appointed coach," said an official Marseille statement. Metz president Carlo Molinari added: "We are satisfied considering this will allow Jean to fulfil a dream."
Compensation paid
Fernandez has signed a two-year contract with the southern French side, who are believed to have compensated Metz for his loss although no details of that deal have been revealed. The 50-year-old replaces Philippe Troussier who resigned on 2 June after just seven months in charge.
Long association
Having played for Marseille from 1975-80 and then acted as coach at the Vélodrome for a short spell between July and November 1992, Fernandez has a long association with the club. Following the team's fifth-placed finish in Ligue 1, the new man's first games will be in the Intertoto Cup as Marseille take on BSC Young Boys, JK Trans Narva or KSC Lokeren OV in the third round on 16/17 and 23 July.
