Troyes turn to Hadzibegic

Former Bosnia-Herzegovina coach Faruk Hadzibegic has taken charge of Ligue 1 club ES Troyes Aube Champagne.

Tough task
Hadzibegic has been appointed to replace Jacky Bonnevay, who was sacked last week after a poor run of form. Hadzibegic's task will be to keep Troyes in the top flight as they only took three wins from their first 20 matches.

Positive qualities
"I want someone who will install vigour in our team and make the players work," said Troyes chairman Daniel Vacelet, who had also been considering Gilbert Gress. Hadzibegic has been given a contract until the end of the season.

Successful past
Although just 45, Hadzibegic is already an experienced coach. After an illustrious career as a defender, particularly in France with FC Sochaux-Montbéliard, Hadzibegic then joined the club in a coaching capacity. During his spell there from 1995 to 1998, he helped Sochaux earn promotion to the top flight.

International experience
After that, he coached the Bosnian national team until 2000, before taking up a job with Real Betis Balompié in Spain, another of the teams he represented as a player. As a coach, Hadzibegic has put into good use the experience learned on the international stage. He won 65 caps for Yugoslavia and represented them at the 1990 FIFA World Cup finals.

Romano staying
Hadzibegic will work with Serge Romano, who was taking charge of the team in the period since Bonnevay's dismissal. The pair know each other well and will hope to combine for the good of the team, who lie second last in the French top flight.