Lemerre assumes Ankaragücü reins

MKE Ankaragücü have named UEFA EURO 2000™ winner Roger Lemerre as their new coach, the Frenchman taking over with the capital club 15th in the Turkish Süper Lig after three straight defeats.

International experience
Lemerre masterminded France's success at UEFA EURO 2000™ and subsequently led them to FIFA Confederations Cup glory the following year. A six-year spell in charge of Tunisia and a shorter stint at the helm of the Moroccan national team followed, though the 68-year-old has been out of employment since July. He will not take charge of his first game until 24 January, when Ankaragücü host Diyarbakırspor.

Six-month deal
"Ankara is a big capital and I've been there twice before," said Lemerre, who has signed a six-month contract with the option of a further year. "Ankaragücü has all the best resources. I know the competition with Istanbul and we'll do everything  to be successful. We are close to the bottom of the league but after our recovery, we'll start to climb higher." Former Turkey and Fenerbahçe defender Ümit Özat has been named as Lemerre's assistant.